Hardening Homes Against Wildfire

1. Protected Vents Unvented roofs are best. If vents are used, protect them with 1/8-inch metal hardware cloth to hold out windblown firebrands.2. Heatproof Windows Install dual-pane glazing. The outer pane may shatter from heat, but the inner pane will stay intact to keep embers out.3. Defensible Space Keep the area near the house clear of shrubbery, weeds, or litter. Clip, prune, and thin trees or plants in the yard.

1. Protected Vents Unvented roofs are best. If vents are used, protect them with 1/8-inch metal hardware cloth to hold out windblown firebrands.2. Heatproof Windows Install dual-pane glazing. The outer pane may shatter from heat, but the inner pane will stay intact to keep embers out.3. Defensible Space Keep the area near the house clear of shrubbery, weeds, or litter. Clip, prune, and thin trees or plants in the yard.

In the “wildland-urban interface,” houses need protection against wildfire’s triple threat: flying embers, flame spread, and radiant heat.


About the Author

Ted Cushman

Contributing editor Ted Cushman reports on the construction industry from Hartland, Vt.

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