If you own a home in a wildfire-prone area, fire hardening isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Embers from wildfires can travel miles ahead of a fire front and ignite vulnerable areas of a building. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to make your property more resilient. Here are a few to consider: Install a Class A fire-rated roof. Class A fire-rated roofing systems offer the highest level of protection against flame spread and ember penetration. This rating is available across a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, standing seam metal panels and specially treated wood shake/shingles. When selecting roofing materials, ask your contractor about fire-rated options that are certified for your preferred style and local building codes. Protect your gutters with metal gutter guards. Rain gutters are notorious for collecting dry leaves and debris, making them prime targets for wind-driven embers. To prevent ignition, install metal gutter guards that are designed to block debris while allowing water to flow freely. These guards also reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning and maintenance. Upgrade or retrofit attic and soffit vents. Ember-resistant vents play a critical role in preventing fires from starting and spreading inside attics. These specially designed vents can be added during a reroofing project or retrofitted into existing homes.

3 Ways to Fire-Harden Your Property

By Gary Harvey Owner/CEO of Wedge Roofing Diamond Certified Expert Contributor