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ROOF COVERINGS AND FEATURES
(ROOF COVERINGS, ROOF FEATURES, RAIN GUTTERS, ATTIC VENTING, and EAVES)
ROOF COVERINGS
Combustible roofs can easily ignite from embers and burning debris which can travel miles during a wind driven wildland fire. Replace roof covering with noncombustible roofing material that is rated to resist embers.
Ember Resistant Roof - To reduce the chance of ignition, it is critical to maintain ember resistant roofs free of any broken or missing tiles, loose flashing, or other gaps and cracks where embers could lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition. To maintain your roof in a fire safe manner and prevent ember intrusion, consult with a licensed roofing contractor to:
- Replace or repair broken or missing tiles, loose flashings
- Repair or replace loose or missing bird stops
- Fill all gaps with ignition resistant roofing material
Accumulated Roof Debris - Embers can travel miles during wind driven wildland fires and can land on your roof and ignite accumulated combustible debris (leaf litter, pine needles, etc.). To reduce the chance of ignition, it is critical to keep your roof and its features (skylights, solar panels, etc.) free of combustible debris. Routine maintenance and upkeep are critical to ensure your roof is ignition resistant.
ROOF FEATURES
Roof Features and Junctions - Roof features (dormers, solar panels, skylights, roof/wall junctions, etc.) have numerous crevices, openings and junctions that can collect debris and embers, which increases the potential for roof ignition. Keep roof junctions, crevices, and openings free of debris and screen or fill openings and gaps where embers could lodge and cause ignition.
Skylights - Single pane skylights can easily fracture and crack when subjected to direct flame contact or radiant heat from a fire. Combustible frames (vinyl, wood, etc.) can melt, warp, or burn, subjecting to skylight to collapse due to direct flame contact or radiant heat. Replace with dual pane skylights that have durable metal frames with at least one pane of tempered glass. If replacement is not feasible or affordable, reduce radiant heat and flame exposure to glass by keeping your roof and the area around your skylight free of combustible debris(leaf litter, pine needles, etc.)
Chimney Chases - Chimney chases and connections to the roof create junctions where combustible material (leaf litter, debris, etc.) can collect and be ignited by embers. Keep wall junctions, crevices, and openings free of debris and screen or fill openings and gaps where embers could lodge and cause ignition.
Chimney Spark Arrestors - Chimneys without spark arrestors and/or proper screening create openings that make the interior and exterior of your home vulnerable to ember intrusion. Install spark arrestors with screening of 1/2-inch noncombustible mesh around chimney openings. Spark arrestors:"
- Prevent large embers escaping and igniting roof debris or flammable vegetation
- May prevent embers from entering and possibly igniting your home during a wildfire
RAIN GUTTERS
Rain Gutter Installation and Maintenance - Clear gutters of combustible debris (pine needles, leaf litter, etc.) to reduce the chance of ignition by wind driven embers. Ignition resistant gutter guards can help reduce the accumulation of combustible debris. Properly installed and maintained gutter guards reduce the possibility of gutter fires, the frequency of debris removal, and provide more effective water channeling.
IMPORTANT – There are numerous gutter guard products available with varying levels of performance. It is critical that gutter guards are properly secured and functioning so that they do not contribute to the collection of roof/gutter debris.
Vinyl Gutters - - Vinyl is considered combustible and can melt if exposed to direct flame or radiant heat from a fire. Additionally, if debris in vinyl gutters ignites, the flames can cause the gutter to melt and fall on combustible material (vegetation, storage items, exterior wall siding, etc.) causing the rapid transmission of fire.
Metal Gutters - Metal is considered noncombustible, but embers for a wind driven fire can still collect in a metal gutter and might lead to ignition. If debris in metal gutters ignites, flames can come into contact with the facia board on the edge of your roof and cause roof ignition.
ATTIC VENTING
Attic Vent Design - Many attic vents are not designed to keep embers from entering. Replace with approved ember resistant (baffled) vents to reduce the chance that embers will enter and cause attic ignition. If replacement is not feasible or affordable, screen vent openings with 1/8-inch noncombustible mesh which will reduce the size and number of embers that enter your attic.
Attic Vent Screening - Mesh or screening larger than 1/8-inch allows large embers to enter the attic. Installing 1/8-inch noncombustible mesh screening reduces the number and size of embers entering attic spaces and reduces the possibility of internal ignitions.
EAVES
Eaves - Openings in eaves create areas where embers can lodge or collect and cause ignition. Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings with caulking material, keep exposed wood free of rot, maintain with a good coat of paint on roof edges and eave areas to reduce the risk of ignition.EXTERIOR WALLS WALL SIDING AND OPENINGS
(DOORS, WINDOWS, AND WALL VENTS)
EXTERIOR WALL SIDING
Combustible Wall Siding - Replace combustible wall material (wood, vinyl, etc.) with ignition resistant material (brick, stucco, metal, cement board, etc.) to reduce the chance walls will ignite from direct flame contact or radiant heat from an approaching wildland fire. Vinyl siding is considered combustible and not recommended in fire prone areas. Vinyl is made from manufactured plastic and can melt when exposed to direct flame contact or radiant heat from a wildland fire. You can improve the fire resistance of vinyl by adding gypsum board with taped joints beneath the siding, which will provide some protection to the interior of the home.
Exterior Wall Siding Maintenance - Seal gaps in siding and wall seams (where siding meets foundations, window/door trim meets siding, etc.) to reduce the risk that embers will enter or collect and cause ignition. Reinforce wall junctions and areas where embers can lodge or collect next to combustible and/or noncombustible material to reduce the chance of ignition. Care should be taken when sealing wood siding. Over sealing (sealing all sides) can lead to rot due to lack of proper ventilation. Refer to manufacture information regarding proper sealing.
Exterior Wall Siding Mitigation - If siding replacement is not feasible/affordable:
- Immediate Zone (0-5 Foot Zone) - Remove combustible material (bark, mulch, storage items, patio furniture, etc.) within the first 5 feet around your home. Use hardscape like pavers, gravel, or concrete. Limit plant material to low growing, (below 2 feet) nonwoody varieties that are properly watered and maintained.
- Intermediate Zone (5-30 Foot Zone) - Remove and/or maintain large combustible material (such as outbuildings, vehicles, storage items, trees, bushes, etc.) within 5 to 30 feet of your home. This will limit radiant heat from preheating combustible siding thereby decreasing the chance of your home igniting.
DOOR OPENINGS
Exterior Doors - Ensure gaps around door openings are secured with weather stripping seals and are in good condition (front, rear, side, sliding doors, pet doors, etc.) to prevent wind driven embers from entering your home and causing internal ignition from carpet, rugs, furniture, etc.
Garage - Eliminate gaps and openings that would allow wind driven embers to enter and ignite contents.
Secure pet access doors must be secured to prevent wind blown embers from entering the structure and causing internal ignitions.
WINDOWS
Combustible Window Frames - Vinyl or wood frames can melt, warp, or burn subjecting the windowpane to collapse due to direct flame contact or radiant heat. Replace with dual pane windows that have durable metal frames, at least one pane of tempered glass.
Single Pane Windows - Single pane windows can easily fracture and crack when subjected to direct flame contact or radiant heat from a fire. This will expose the contents of your home to ember intrusion and ignition from radiant heat or direct flame. Multi-pane windows (with at least one pane being tempered) offer the best protection. Replace single frame windows with dual pane, durable metal frame, with at least one pane being tempered glass and keep combustible vegetation and materials away from glass (sliding doors, windows, etc.)
Window Mitigation - If replacement is not feasible/affordable, reduce radiant heat and flame exposure to glass:
- Immediate Zone (0-5 Foot Zone) - Keep the first 5 feet around your home and beneath windows free of combustible material (bark, mulch, storage items, furniture, etc.).
- Intermediate Zone (5-30 Foot Zone) - Remove/mitigate large combustible material (such as outbuildings, vehicles, storage items, trees, bushes, etc.) within 30 feet of the windows. This will reduce the chance windowpanes will fracture and collapse due to direct flame contact or radiant heat and create openings where embers could enter and ignite materials inside.
Multi-Pane Metal Frame Window Mitigation - You can improve the protection from fracture and collapse of multi-pane windows by:
- Immediate Zone - Keep the first 5 feet around your home and beneath windows free of combustible material (bark, mulch, storage items, furniture, etc.).
- 5-30 Foot Zone - Remove/mitigate large combustible material (such as outbuildings, vehicles, storage items, trees, bushes, etc.) within 30 feet of the windows. This will reduce chance that windowpanes will fracture and collapse due to direct flame contact or radiant heat and create openings where embers could enter and ignite materials inside.
EXTERIOR WALL VENTS
Exterior Wall Vents - Many standard exterior wall vents (garage, dryer, kitchen, crawlspace, etc.) are not designed to keep embers from entering under floors, into crawlspaces, garages, or other areas. Additionally, screening is often breached for cable or wiring upgrades, creating openings for embers.
Exterior Wall Vents Mitigation - Replace wall vents with approved ember resistant vents or screen openings with 1/8-inch non-combustible screening, or a functioning self-closing flap. Vents that are not protected with 1/8-inch ignition resistant mesh or a functioning self-closing flap may allow embers to enter the home and ignite combustible material inside. It is important to have exterior wall vents screened or protected with self-closing flaps that are appropriate for each venting function. For example, garage vents (1/8-inch mesh) serve a different purpose than dryer vents (self-closing flap) and require different type of venting mitigation. Dryer vents can become clogged with lint, if not properly vented. If you are not certain what is appropriate, contact a licensed contractor.
ATTACHMENTS
(BALCONIES, PATIO COVERS, DECKS, FENCES, and AWNINGS)
BALCONIES
Balcony Combustible Construction - Replace combustible and aging balcony material (wood, etc.) with ignition resistant materials (tile, metal, composite material, masonry, etc.) to reduce the probability that your balcony will ignite. If balcony replacement is not feasible or affordable:
- Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings with caulking material. Keep exposed wood free of rot and maintain surfaces with a good coat of paint to reduce the ability for embers to lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition
- Apply noncombustible barriers (metal flashing, noncombustible wall siding, noncombustible balcony decking, etc.) at junctions between your balcony and your home where embers could collect or lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition
- Remove all combustible material (patio furniture, drapes, mats, pet bedding, rugs, etc.) and debris (leaf litter, pine needles, etc.) on your balcony where embers could collect and cause ignition
- Remove all combustible material (patio furniture, drapes, storage items, organic mulch, vegetation, fencing, etc.) below and near your balcony where embers could collect and cause ignition
Balcony Junctions - Apply noncombustible barriers (metal flashing, noncombustible wall siding, noncombustible balcony decking, etc.) at junctions between the balcony and your home where embers could collect or lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition.
Combustible Items on Balcony - Remove combustible materials (patio furniture, drapes, mats, pet bedding, rugs, etc.) and debris (leaf litter, pine needles, etc.) on your balcony where embers could collect and cause ignition.
Combustible Material Beneath or Near Balcony - Remove combustible material (patio furniture, drapes, storage, organic mulch, vegetation, fencing, etc.) below and near your balcony where embers could collect and cause ignition.
Balcony Cooking Equipment - Do not use cooking equipment or barbeques on or beneath balconies as it can lead to home ignition.
PATIO COVERS
Patio Cover Combustible Construction - Replace combustible and aging patio cover material (wood, vinyl, etc.) with ignition resistant materials (tile, metal, composite material, etc.) to reduce the probability that your patio cover will ignite. If patio cover replacement is not feasible or affordable:
- Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings with caulking material. Keep exposed wood free of rot and maintain surfaces with a good coat of paint to reduce the ability for embers to lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition
- Apply noncombustible barriers (metal flashing, noncombustible wall siding, etc.) at junctions between your patio cover and your home where embers could collect or lodge, continue to burn and cause ignition
- Remove all combustible material (patio furniture, drapes, storage items, organic mulch, vegetation, fencing, etc.) below and near your patio cover where embers could collect and cause ignition
Patio Cover Junctions - Apply noncombustible barriers (metal flashing, noncombustible wall siding, etc.) at junctions between your patio cover and your home where embers could collect or lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition.
Patio Cover Combustible Items Beneath or Near - Remove combustible material (patio furniture, drapes, storage items, organic mulch, vegetation, fencing, etc.) below and near your patio cover where embers could collect and cause ignition.
Patio Cover Cooking Equipment - Do not use cooking equipment or barbeques beneath patio covers as it can lead to home ignition.
DECKS
Deck Combustible Construction - Replace combustible and aging deck material (wood, etc.) in poor condition (aging, rot, decay, etc.) with ignition resistant material (tile, masonry, concrete, composite, etc.) to reduce the probability that your deck will ignite.
- Seal all cracks, gaps, and openings with caulking material. Keep exposed wood free of rot, and maintain surfaces with a good coat of paint to reduce the ability for embers to lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition
- Apply noncombustible barriers (metal flashing, noncombustible wall siding, etc.) at junctions between your deck and your home where embers could collect or lodge, continue to burn and cause ignition
- Remove all combustible material (patio furniture, drapes, storage items, organic mulch, vegetation, fencing, etc.) near your deck where embers could collect and cause ignition
Deck Junctions - Apply noncombustible barriers (metal flashing, noncombustible wall siding, etc.) at junctions between your deck and your home where embers could collect or lodge, continue to burn, and cause ignition.
Decks Combustible Items On - Remove combustible materials (patio furniture, mats, pet bedding, rugs, etc.) and combustible debris (leaf litter, pine needles, etc.) on decks where embers could collect, and cause ignition.
Decks Combustible Materials Beneath or Near - Remove combustible material (vegetation, storage items, organic mulch, etc.) under and near your deck where embers could collect, continue to burn, and cause ignition.
FENCES
Fence Combustible Construction - Combustible fence material (wood, vinyl, etc.) attached your home is a fuel pathway that can lead flames from a wildland fire directly to your home. Replace combustible fence material with noncombustible fence material (metal, stucco, cinderblock, etc.). If replacement is not feasible or affordable:
- Create separation between your home and combustible fencing by adding noncombustible fence panels or gates (metal, stucco, etc.) within the first 10 feet of your home to provide protection from direct flame contact.
Fence Combustible Materials Beneath or Near - Remove combustible material (vegetation, debris, storage items, organic mulch, etc.) along the base and near the fence to prevent ignition.
AWNINGS
Combustible Awnings - Combustible material (fabric, canvas, mesh, wood, etc.) can catch embers, ignite, and lead to home ignition. Replace combustible awnings with noncombustible material (metal, composite, material rated as fire resistant, etc.) or consider removal. Note that treatment for fire-rated materials can diminish over time and are dependent on many factors (weather conditions, exposure). Noncombustible material are better options for shading and screening.HOME IGNITION ZONE
IMMEDIATE ZONE 0-5 FEET (OR TO THE LOT LINE)
Immediate Zone (0–5 feet) Vegetation - Vegetation that is susceptible to combustion (woody shrubs, groundcovers, juniper, cypress, pine trees, etc.) can readily ignite and allow flames to come into direct contact with your home. Remove or reduce and maintain any vegetation within the first 5 feet of your home to make it ignition resistant. Vegetation in the Immediate Zone should be well irrigated, low growing, non-woody, and kept away from windows.
Immediate Zone (0–5 feet) Plant Debris - Reduce the likelihood of ignition by wind driven embers and direct flame contact to your home by:
- Removing combustible plant debris (dead or dying plants, leaves, palm fronds, pine needles, etc.) within the first five feet of your home and on your roof
- Removing and/or replacing combustible mulches (bark, wood chips, etc.) with noncombustible options (rocks, stone, pavers, etc.) within the first 5 feet of your home
Immediate Zone (0–5 feet) Combustible Items - Remove, replace, or relocate, combustible items (patio furniture, storage items, pet beds, firewood, drapes, rugs, etc.) that are located within the first 5 feet of your home. If removal, replacement, or relocation is not possible or feasible, store combustible items inside while not in use, cover storage items and firewood with an ignition resistant tarp to reduce the chance of ember ignition.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 5-100 FEET FROM YOUR HOME (OR TO THE LOT LINE)
Dry and/or dead weeds and grasses can easily ignite and quickly spread a wildland fire toward your home. Reduce weeds and grasses to 4 inches or less and remove the cut material. Reduction will also help to prevent radiant heat and direct flames from encountering, and possibly, igniting your home.
Vegetation debris (pine needles, leaf litter palm fronds, etc.) and organic mulch or bark are highly combustible and ember receptive. Debris from vegetation easily collects beneath some ground covers and shrub groupings. Remove accumulated vegetation debris to reduce the chances that wind driven embers will land in the debris and cause ignition.
Horizontal separation helps reduce the likelihood of a wildland fire spreading between groups of plants and toward your home. Create horizontal separation between shrubs greater than 2 feet in height by creating groups of no more than three plants separated by a distance of 3 times the tallest shrub in the group or 15 feet, whichever is greater. Shrubs greater than two feet in height also need to be separated by at least 15 feet from the edge of the tree canopy. Plants lower than 2 feet in height do not require horizontal separation.
Vertical separation between the lower limbs of trees and any plant material beneath, reduces the likelihood of a fire spreading (laddering) up into the tree, creating a crown fire, and contributing to the production of embers. Create at least 4 feet between the lower limbs of trees and any material beneath the tree branches. All plant material beneath trees must be maintained lower than 2 feet. Ground covers shall be maintained at 2 feet or less.
COMBUSTIBLE ITEMS 5-30 FEET FROM YOUR HOME (OR TO THE LOT LINE)
Large combustible items (storage items, firewood, vehicles, etc.) that are located within of your home should be relocated at least 30 feet away from your home if possible. This reduces the likelihood that your home will ignite from direct flame contact or radiant heat, should combustible items ignite. If relocation is not possible or feasible, cover with an ignition resistant tarp to reduce the likelihood the combustible items will ignite due to ember intrusion.
Combustible accessory structures (sheds, gazebos, etc.) can ignite and the flames and radiant heat created when they burn can easily ignite your home during a wildland fire event. Relocate combustible accessory structures so that they are over 30 feet from your home to reduce the likelihood of home ignition. If combustible accessory structures cannot be located/relocated over 30 feet from your home, apply the principals of Home Hardening to your accessory structures to reduce the potential ignition.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Privacy Screening - Hedges used for privacy screening can be ember receptive and lead to home ignition if not properly maintained. When vegetation is used for privacy screening, reduce the likelihood that embers will ignite the vegetation, limit direct flame contact, and reduce radiant heat that can cause home ignition by:
- Removing dead and dying plant material within and beneath the hedgerow, (leaf litter, mulch, etc.)
- Trimming lower limbs to create separation from the ground and anything beneath the hedgerow
- Limiting continuity between plants to reduce the rate of fire spread
- Keeping vegetation well irrigated
Homes Located Top of Slope - Generally, fire burns more quickly when traveling upslope. As the degree of steepness of slope increases, the rate of fire spread also increases. Consideration should be taken when creating and maintaining horizontal and vertical separation for homes that are located on the top of a slope. Horizontal spacing might need to be increased between groups of trees and shrubs to decrease flame length and rate of spread between groups. Vertical separation between lower limbs of trees and any material beneath might need to be increased to keep the fire from spreading into the crows of the trees and increasing ember distribution.
Homes Located Bottom of Slope - Burning material can roll downhill toward your home during a wildland fire event, expose your home to direct flame contact and cause ignition. Consideration should be taken when creating horizontal and vertical separation to help limit fire spread and decreases the likelihood of burning debris traveling downslope toward your home. Noncombustible barriers (block walls, v-ditches, etc.) can also help limit the movement of burning material during a wildland fire event.
Thank you! You have taken the first steps to making your home more resilient during a wildland fire event. Home Hardening in conjunction with vegetation management give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire. Below are the recommendations for your home based on the answers provided during the Orange County Fire Authority's Home Assessment.
Please note that when you take action to retrofit the construction features of your home, you will need to refer to the California Residential Code and your local building department will need to be contacted for specific requirements.
Should you have additional questions please contact us at (714) 573-6774 or email us at RSGOC@ocfa.org