How to Keep Your Homes Safe From Wildfires

Much of the Western United States had fires with no sign of an end this past summer. Was a fire getting close to your home or would you just like to be prepared in case a fire starts up near your home? There are many precautionary measures that can be take that can help reduce the damage to your home if it comes face to face with a wildfire.

1. Take a look at your roof and see if it has a Class “A” fire rating- if you cannot tell get a professional to take a look at your roof, you do not want to risk not having a high fire roof rating- because according to studies the roof is the greatest threat by wildfires.
2. Next take a look at your siding and see if it has a high fire rating- if you are not able to tell get a professional to take a look at your siding. If a fire enters through the siding it can take over your entire house.
3. Take a look at your soffits, eaves, attic, and crawlspace openings and check for 1/8″ screenings over vent openings- if you cannot tell get a professional to take a look at your roof. Embers are able to pass through 1/4″ and 1/8″ screens, however it can reduce the risk.
4. Tile and other non-combustible roof coverings can help prevent against wildfires, however make sure that there are no gaps along the edges. If there are gaps along the edges, consult with a expert right away to see what your best option is.
5. Make sure your gutters and roof are clear of all debris as it can make a fire burn.
6. All of your windows should be Dual-pane windows, however many older buildings still have Single-pane windows in them. Take a look at your windows and check if they are tempered glass, if they are not they should be replaced. Replacing your windows with Dual-pane tempered glass windows will not only increase protection from a wildfire greatly but it will also increase energy performance.
7. Have a professional take a look at your decks, porches and patios to see if there is anything that should be done to help prevent a wildfire taking your home or business such as a flashing strip. Make sure there are not combustibles under your decks, porches and patios.
8. Fences can either help prevent heat exposure from a passing fire or cause the fire to come towards your home. Take a look around your fence for debris and clean it out and then consult with an expert about what they recommend. Steel and stucco, solid incombustible fences that are over six feet tall can serve as a barrier from fire heat.
9. Take a look at your chimney. Does your chimney have a spark arrestor? If your home does not have a spark arrestor get one installed right away that has 1/2 inch mesh, helping protect you and the community.
10. Create a defensible zone around your home or business by creating an area of 30 feet or to your property line which is the most important and needs cleared of debris, many trees, and combustibles. The next zone is 30 feet to 100 feet and should include thinning of trees, removal of combustibles, and cleared of debris.
11. Plants may look nice but they can be the cause of a spread of a wildfire to your home. Remove all dead plants and think about putting down rock or other noncombustible materials.

Montana Heritage Home Builders Inc. is proud to help protect you from wildfires and make your home a safer place for you and your family with higher energy performance. Give Montana Heritage Home Builders a call today so we can help protect you and your business or home. Montana Heritage Home Builders is proud to have an expert team who is working on cutting edge technology to help protect your home. Do not wait until this summer comes and it is to late to protect you, your house, business, and family. Protect today!