Low-Cost Home Hardening Resources

Low Cost Retrofit Steps

• When it’s time to replace your roof, replace it with Class A Fire-rated roof material.
• Block any spaces between your roof covering and sheathing (bird stops).
• Install a non-combustible cover on gutters to prevent accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter.
• Cover your chimney and/or stovepipe outlets with a non-combustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screen (aka spark arrestor), with 3/8” to 1/2” openings (do not use plastic or fiberglass mesh, as both can melt or burn).
• Cover all vent openings with 1/16” to 1/8” non-combustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screens.
• Caulk and plug gaps greater than 1/8” all around exposed rafters and blocking, to prevent ember intrusion into the attic or other enclosed spaces.
• Inspect exterior siding for dry rot, gaps, cracks and warping. Caulk/plug gaps greater than 1/8” in siding and replace any damaged boards, including those with dry rot.
• Install weather stripping to gaps greater than 1/8” between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember intrusion. Weather stripping must be compliant with UL Standard 10C.
• When it’s time to replace your windows, replace them with multi-paned windows that have at least one pane of tempered glass.
• When it’s time to replace your siding or deck, use compliant, non-combustible or ignition resistant materials, approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
• Cover openings to operable skylights with noncombustible mesh screen with openings in the screen not to exceed 1/8”.
• Install a minimum 6” metal flashing, applied vertically on the exterior of the wall at the deck-to-wall intersection, to protect the combustible siding material.