DECKS

Decks on posts or cantilevered out over slopes create a special problem because they are the ultimate heat trap,and are especially vulnerable to wildfire spreading up the slope.

Combustible materials, trash and debris can accumulate under decks, and transmit a fire into the home's structure. Clean trash and debris from under your deck. Screen off the area below the deck to prevent flammable materials from blowing under it.

Treat the deck as part of the house perimeter. In an area within 3 to 5 feet around the deck, remove plants and other flammable materials.

This area is a critical part of Zone 1 of your Defensible Space. Don't store firewood, lumber or other flammables under the deck.

Decks are built perfectly to burn, almost the same way you would stack wood in a fireplace.

Decks on posts or cantileevered out over steep slopes should be built of ignition resistant or fireproof materials.

Steel posts, girders and joists, and heavy timber decking should be used.

Hardscape and fire resistive materials can be used to define and landscape the area around the deck.

Decks should be skirted (enclosed) with metal or other ignition resistant materials to keep heat and burning debris from blowing under them.

A higher fire rating can also be provided by using gypsum sheathing to underlay the decking and wrap support posts.

If you are building or replacing a deck, consider some alternatives, such as a patio of stone or brick pavers.

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DECKS

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Updated January 30, 2003

	Treat the deck as part of the house perimeter. In an area within 3 to 5 feet around the deck, remove plants and other flammable materials. This area is a critical part of Zone 1 of your Defensible Space. Don't store firewood, lumber or other flammables under the deck.
	Decks are built perfectly to burn, almost the same way you would stack wood in a fireplace. Decks on posts or cantileevered out over steep slopes should be built of ignition resistant or fireproof materials. Steel posts, girders and joists, and heavy timber decking should be used.
	Hardscape and fire resistive materials can be used to define and landscape the area around the deck. Decks should be skirted (enclosed) with metal or other ignition resistant materials to keep heat and burning debris from blowing under them.
	A higher fire rating can also be provided by using gypsum sheathing to underlay the decking and wrap support posts. If you are building or replacing a deck, consider some alternatives, such as a patio of stone or brick pavers.