Choosing fire resistant building materials can help keep your house safe in the event of a wildfire.
Clay or concrete roofing tiles carry an “A” fire rating and are among the most fire resistant types of roofing, but metal roofs and certain asphalt shingles made from fiberglass may also be fire resistant.
Brick and stone are among the best fire resistant materials for exterior walls, but fiber cement siding is also much more resistant to fire than wood siding.
Watch the video above to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: As a general rule our homes are supposed to protect us from the elements. But there’s a few things we need to protect our homes from, and one of those is wildfires. I’m in southern California right now, where wildfires are often in the news, but these things can happen almost anywhere, so it’s important to know how to protect your home and family from them.
You know the materials used to build your home can a big difference, so if you’re building or improving your home, look at the fire ratings. You know, roofing tiles that are made from clay or concrete carry an “A” rating, but so do some asphalt shingles if they’re made from fiberglass. Now, metal roofing also receives high ratings with the right installation.
As you might guess, homes with brick or stone are very fire resistant. But fiber cement siding, which looks like traditional wood siding, is also a great choice because it’s composed primarily of Portland cement.
You can also reduce fire risk by removing sources of fuel from around your home. Things like stacks of firewood should be a safe distance away from the house, and trees should be trimmed so that there’s space between them and that there’s no low hanging branches anywhere.
It’s also a good idea to move any flammable liquids and gas grills well away from your home. You know with a little planning, you can protect yourself, your family, and your home.
Further Information
- How to Choose a Roof (article)
- Fiber Cement Siding: A Durable Alternative (article)
- How to Prepare for a Tornado (article)
- How to Reinforce a Home Against Wind Damage (video)
