For those living in wildfire-prone areas, home insurance is increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain due to the rising risks. Insurers raise premiums, limit coverage, and cancel or refuse to renew policies. The good news is that you can protect your home without spending a fortune. For under $200, homeowners can improve their property’s chances of withstanding a wildfire. In this article, we will take a look at cost-effective methods for improving the security of your home.
Create a Defensible Space
Wildfire home protection begins with creating a defensible area around the home. You should get rid of any combustible materials that are around the house. First, remove leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters and rooftops. Prune tree branches at least 10 feet away from the structure. Taking away dead plants and grass can also reduce the chance of them catching fire. These simple measures can drastically reduce the risk of fire spreading to the house.
Install Ember-Resistant Vents
One of the biggest culprits of fire spread is windblown embers. You can install ember-resistant vents to prevent these embers from entering the home. The fine mesh blocks embers but allows air to pass through. They are also affordable and quite easy to install using simple tools. It can help contain fire through vents.
Upgrade Window Protection
During a wildfire, windows are weak spots. You should consider tempered glass, which can withstand higher temperatures than regular glass. If replacing the windows is not an option, a protective film can provide a simple yet effective solution. The film helps reduce the probability of glass breaking under thermal stress. Either option protects the interior from heat and embers.
Utilize Fire-Resistant Landscaping
Landscaping is important to protect against fires. Choose fire-resistant plants with a lot of moisture. You can use gravel or stone patios to create non-combustible zones that slow or stop the spread of wildfire flames and embers. Avoid using wood chips or bark mulch near the house, as they are flammable. These are some inexpensive but effective changes that can protect your house.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Embers can enter a home even through the smallest of openings in the exterior. This can be avoided by sealing gaps around doors, windows, and other entry points. Fill these gaps using fire-resistant caulking or weather stripping. This simple measure improves the ability of the house to resist fire.
Install a Metal Fence
A wooden fence is like a bridge for fire to enter the home. A solution for this is to set a firebreak by using metal instead of wood. A metal fence is resistant to heat, and it can prevent the flames from spreading. It’s an affordable upgrade that is a simple way to improve safety.
Invest in Fire-Resistant Storage
People usually store flammable materials outside. If you have any useful items to store, a fire-resistant safe to store items in may be the best option. These containers can hold garden tools, fuel, and other combustible materials. Secure storage of flammable agents can keep them from aggravating a fire.
Regular Maintenance and Awareness
Routine maintenance is necessary for fire protection to be effective. After all, the equipment is mechanical and subject to wear and tear. Sealing gaps and clearing the roof and gutters regularly is critical. Remember to make sure that vents and other protective measures are in working condition. Understanding local fire alerts and evacuation measures can also enhance preparedness. Fire prevention and planning are important parts of defending a house from wildfires.
Conclusion
Defending a house from wildfires does not require a lot of money. Homeowners who want to add safety to a property simply need to make some intentional upgrades over time as part of regular upkeep. These inexpensive measures help protect the home while giving you peace of mind. When residents follow through and adopt these measures, they can confidently protect their homes from wildfires.
