As the weather in many areas becomes hotter and drier, the risk of wildfires steadily increases. Part of reducing loss of life and property is being able to prevent wildfires from spreading as quickly. Wildfire mitigation services involve multiple tactics to protect your property if a wildfire occurs.
Construction
Whether you are building a new structure or making changes to an existing one, integrating fire-resistant materials may stop some instances of fire or at least slow them down. The first place to start is the roof, especially if you are making changes to an existing structure. Fires easily engulf homes simply because wind can carry flaming debris onto the roof, only to cause the structure to catch fire. The most fire-resistant roofing materials will be labeled as "Class A." Class A materials may be composite roofing that contains fiberglass and asphalt, metal, or clay tiles.
The shape of your roof can also make a difference in its fire resistance. Flat roofs are generally less fire-resistant, especially if they are made without fire-resistant materials. If debris falls on a flat roof, it cannot simply roll off, increasing the likelihood the material will stay on the roof long enough to cause a fire. Changing the siding on the building can also improve its fire resistance. Among the most fire-resistant siding option is fiber cement, which is generally considered a Class A material. Other options include metal or brick.
Landscape Maintenance
There is no such thing as a completely fire-resistant plant, but some plants are more prone to catching fire, especially if they are in poor condition. The best way to design a landscape that minimizes fire risk is to keep plants and vegetation at least six feet away from the structure. This will provide more of a buffer between the structure and the fire if any trees or plants begin to burn. If you have trees on your landscape, make sure the branches do not encroach on the six-foot perimeter. They should be routinely pruned to maintain this space.
Any trees and shrubs on your property should be spaced far apart. If one happens to catch fire, such as through a lightning strike, it will be harder for the neighboring tree or plant to catch fire, possibly allowing a fire crew to reach the location before it spreads. Trees or plants that make a combustible material like resin or wax should not be on your property since they can spread fire easily. Whatever trees and plants are on your landscape should be well-watered and constantly monitored to be certain they are not dry or dying, which poses a fire risk.
Two ways to mitigate wildfire on your property are to use fire-resistant building materials and minimize landscapes that encourage fires to spread. Using fire mitigation tactics can make a considerable difference in salvaging your property if a wildfire occurs.
For more info about forest fire mitigation services, contact a local professional.
