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Keep this list in an obvious and conveneient place, perferrably in your garage near your emergency supplies. Follow this checklist when a wildfire is reported.
Decay (sometimes referred to by homeowners as "rot") is typically found at joints that trap water and dry slowly. Decay occurs only where wood has contact with water, such as trapped rain or condensation of water vapor moving out of the house. The wood then is a food source for the decay fungi.
The list below is intended to help you survey your surroundings and home for potential problems. Items in bold are the preferable condition. Details on specific problems and solutions can be found in other sections. ROOFS 1. Covering material: Class A or not Class A. 2.
Decks include all types of horizontal walkways, including landings, porches, and patios that are directly connected or very close to a house or building. Decks are described by the surface that you walk on (called the deck covering).
Fences (and walls) are both decorative and functional (for security and privacy) and come in many materials and configurations. While we have no laboratory fire test data on fences,there are a number of observations that indicate fences like vegetation are a much greater hazard close to a house.
When houses are surveyed for wildfire vulnerabilities, quite often the garage is not considered even though it could be the most hazardous aspect of the house. Garages are typically not well sealed since they are generally not heated or cooled.
The general surroundings of your home and any detached buildings can have a major impact on vulnerability to wildfire. The first step to take is to contact your local fire station get their help in identifying problems in both your neighborhood and on your parcel.
While plants close to a building can be a major fire hazard, those farther away can also serve as buffers against radiation and convective heat, and fire brands. Trees, in particular, can block many of these hazards by diverting wind flow away from the house.
Introduction to Roof Covering When considering wildfires, your roof is arguably the most vulnerable part of your home. It represents a relatively large horizontal surface where embers can land.
Siding (cladding) is an important aesthetic attribute for houses, but it also has a key role as part of a protective enclosure to help shed rain, while permitting excessive vapor to move through and out of the house.
