roof sprinkler system

Wildfires destroy thousands of homes yearly. With the rapidly changing weather conditions and long-lasting droughts, the occurrence of wildfires is higher than ever. If you live in an area prone to wildfires or surrounded by forests, your home may be at risk.

It may be necessary for you to take out an additional insurance rider on your home in areas where fires are prevalent as part of your insurance policy. To help mitigate your insurance costs and protect your home, you can make changes to your home, landscaping, and surrounding environment that will give you peace of mind during fire season.

Many home builders have begun incorporating fireproofing into their construction procedures to protect at-risk houses from the start. As a homeowner, you can install steel roofing, weed abatement, and add a sprinkler system to help keep wildfires from affecting your home. Let’s take a closer look at a few things you can do to help protect your home from wildfires.

Sprinkler Systems

The key to keeping wildfires away from your home is adding water. If you install a sprinkler system to your landscaping, you can keep your home’s surrounding area drenched as a fire approaches. This can act as an effective firebreak. You can also add a roof sprinkler system that will prevent floating burning embers from lighting on the top of your home.

Fire Vents

In the midst of a wildfire, there is a lot of burning debris in the air because the fire is actively burning. As a result of the heat of the fires, burning embers can fall from surrounding trees or be carried aloft in the hot air. One of the main causes of roof fires is embers gaining access to your home through your roofing vents. If you live in a high-risk area, installing roof vent covers will block all burning materials from entering your home.

Clear All Debris

Wildfires can move incredibly fast. It can take only minutes for your home to suddenly be at risk. If you have piles of debris from yard maintenance, you could be adding dangerous factors to the health of your home. It’s always best to clear away debris piles around your home rather than letting them sit and dry out.

Thoughtful Landscaping

Choosing the right plants and landscaping materials that will surround your house can create an effective firebreak. Rather than planting gardens that are topped with wood chips that can add fuel to the fire, consider covering your gardens with stones or crushed gravel pebbles. Your pathways and patios should be made from fire-resistant materials.

Tree Trimming

To help your landscaping and home survive a potentially damaging wildfire, you need to consider the fuel sources around your home. Always trim your overhanging trees to prevent roof damage during a fire. Other trees around your home should be pruned up to ten feet from the ground to prevent burning.

There is nothing more precious than the safety of a family and home. Follow these tips to protect family and home from damage during the wildfire season.