If you live in Los Angeles, you know the tension that builds as fire season approaches—the concern is real. At Approved Contractors, we’re a local company, so we truly get it! That’s why we put together a practical, step-by-step checklist to help you prepare your home’s exterior for fire season.
So, grab this handy guide, and take an intentional walk around your home. It’ll help you spot areas that need attention and show you how to better protect your property from wildfires.
Reduce Wildfire Risk and Protect Your Property and Family
Choose Fire-Resistant Materials When Renovating Your Exterior
- Install fire-resistant siding. James Hardie fiber cement siding is a Class A fire-rated product (firefighters love!) that delivers a trusted first line of defense against wildfires. Unlike wood siding that fuels a fire, or vinyl that melts when exposed to heat, Hardie siding is non-combustible and won’t ignite or warp when exposed to heat. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, at Approved Contractors, we install Hardie siding according to the manufacturer’s high standards, ensuring you get the long-term durability and high performance you deserve.
- Upgrade to fire-resistant windows. Fiberglass window frames are non-combustible and more resistant to heat than wood or vinyl frames. Choose tempered glass which is super-strong at standing up to high temperatures and impacts. Make sure you hire a qualified contractor with a track record of success to install your windows. When installed properly, windows have airtight seals that prevent wind-blown embers and smoke from getting inside your house.
- Select fire-resistant roofing. Your roof offers vital protection to your home during wildfire season. Installing fire-resistant materials can make a big difference. Select Class A fire-resistant roofing, such as a GAF Timberline Series, so you get reliable protection against fires started from embers. Stay up to date on your roof’s maintenance, and keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to give wildfires less fuel to count on.
Want home siding that is durable, low-maintenance, and has great curb appeal?
Find out more about fiber cement siding benefits, cost, and why California homeowners choose this siding for their homes in our “James Hardie Siding Guide” can help you decide.
Read the Guide
Approach Exterior Home Maintenance Intentionally
- Zone 0 (0-5 feet around your home). Remove flammable materials like wood mulch, dried twigs, and leaves. If your trees extend into this area, cut back their branches so they aren’t any closer than 10 feet from your home.
- Zone 1 (5-30 feet around your house). Rather than planting a continuous line of foliage in this zone, space out trees and remove shrubs that could allow fire to climb into tree canopies. Be diligent about removing fallen leaves and debris because they fuel fires.
- Zone 2 (30-100 feet around your home). Stone walls can act as natural firebreaks, helping to slow the spread. Metal or other non-combustible materials for your fence (like fire-resistant treated wood) can also help reduce the risk of fires.
Implement These Practical Fire-Safety Tips
- Safely store flammables so they don’t catch fire. Store gasoline and paint in approved containers and away from heat sources—or dispose of them.
- Install steel doors to fortify your home. Steel doesn’t catch fire, right? So lean into it by replacing the door between your garage and house and installing a steel entry door.
- Pay attention to your garage’s contents. Keep your garage free from trash and debris that could fuel a fire.
- Block flying embers by sealing exterior gaps. Ensure there are no gaps around your chimney, skylights, and or other roof vents where embers could enter.
Purchase Fire-Resistant Decking and Outdoor Furniture
- Choose fire-resistant materials. Composite decking’s fire-resistant makeup can help reduce the risk of fire spread.
- Buy outdoor furniture with fire-resistance in mind. Outdoor furniture should be made of metal, glass, or fire-resistant composite materials rather than flammable fabrics or untreated wood that could catch fire.
Ensure Water Access and Install Fire Sprinklers
- A fire sprinkler system can help keep flames from spreading. They work either manually or automatically by wetting your home exterior and the surrounding area, making it less likely to ignite from wind-blown embers.
Don’t Miss Out on Fire-Safe Upgrades That Can Boost Your Home’s Protection Against Wildfires
You may have faced the devastation of wildfires or know someone who has. This makes you want to use every possible precaution to keep your home and loved ones safe. At Approved Contractors, we take care to protect your home and treat it like it’s our own.
If you’d like the peace of mind that comes from a more fire-resistant house, take a moment to contact us today for a free estimate on exterior fire-resistant upgrades to windows, roofing, and siding.
