CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Homes are usually lost in wildland fires in one of three ways:

The most common is burning embers falling on flammable roofs (usually wood shakes or shingles). See ROOFS

The second is through direct flame contact, or the concentration of heat under structures, decks and eaves. See DECKS

The third way is by ignition through radiant heat from burning vegetation. See DEFENSIBLE SPACE

The real keys to home survivability then, lie in examining the features of your home that could reduce the exposure to these dangers.

Our ultimate fireproof home would look like a stone castle. But careful selection of construction materials can create an attractive home, and still be FIREWISE.

Doors are how you get in and out of your house.

They can also be how a fire gets inside.

Hollow core doors made with wood veneer and large windows don't provide much protection.

Solid core wood doors provide an effective fire barrier.

Steel jacketed, insulated doors are even better.

Pet doors left open or unlatched during wildfires allow burning embers to be blown inside the house.

Windows are another way fire can enter your house.

Large, single pane picture windows are the usual culprits.

Smaller, double glazed (two panes of glass) provide better protection.

A reflective coating between the panes (reflects radiant heat), and exterior screens (prevents firebrands from entering if the window is left open), can give even more protection.

Wood window frames will not readily ignite, but will burn freely.

Vinyl frames seldome ignite, but will melt allowing the glass to fall out. Aluminum clad wood frames are are better, but all-aluminum frames are the best choice.

The most common siding materials are wood, which are relatively fire resistant except when exposed to radiant heat or direct fire contact, if there is not enough defensible space provided around the house.

A one hour rating can be achieved by adding gypsum sheathing behind the siding.

Stone, masonry, stucco, log construction, aluminum or galvanized siding, or fiber cement panel boards are fire resistant materials, but most should still have a gypsum sheathing backing.

For more information, contact:

Bryan Anderson (work) 307-234-6116
Jack Walker (home) 307-577-8103 (work) 307-261-4842
Sam Weaver

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	Our ultimate fireproof home would look like a stone castle. But careful selection of construction materials can create an attractive home, and still be FIREWISE.
	Doors are how you get in and out of your house. They can also be how a fire gets inside. Hollow core doors made with wood veneer and large windows don't provide much protection. Solid core wood doors provide an effective fire barrier. Steel jacketed, insulated doors are even better. Pet doors left open or unlatched during wildfires allow burning embers to be blown inside the house.
	Windows are another way fire can enter your house. Large, single pane picture windows are the usual culprits. Smaller, double glazed (two panes of glass) provide better protection. A reflective coating between the panes (reflects radiant heat), and exterior screens (prevents firebrands from entering if the window is left open), can give even more protection. Wood window frames will not readily ignite, but will burn freely. Vinyl frames seldome ignite, but will melt allowing the glass to fall out. Aluminum clad wood frames are are better, but all-aluminum frames are the best choice.
	The most common siding materials are wood, which are relatively fire resistant except when exposed to radiant heat or direct fire contact, if there is not enough defensible space provided around the house. A one hour rating can be achieved by adding gypsum sheathing behind the siding. Stone, masonry, stucco, log construction, aluminum or galvanized siding, or fiber cement panel boards are fire resistant materials, but most should still have a gypsum sheathing backing.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

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Updated January 30, 2003