With the ability to cause immense destruction, fires have become a growing concern for communities across the U.S. As wildfires pick up in frequency, it has become even more critical for the home building industry to prioritize fire-resistant construction. According to Visbeen Architects, an architecture firm based in Grand Rapids, Mich., building in fire-prone areas requires a proactive approach that incorporates fire-resistant materials and strategic design from the foundation up.
When considering how to build homes with these disasters in mind, there are a number of strategies builders and architects can employ, including: creating defensible landscaping around a home, thoughtful site planning, careful material selection, and more.
Roofs are particularly susceptible to embers carried by wind. Ventless roofs are ideal, as they prevent embers from entering the attic. When vents are necessary, they should be screened with fine wire mesh. Prioritize fire-resistant roofing materials like green roofs (which retain moisture), metal, tile, concrete shingles, or synthetic options with a stone or slate surface. Read more
