Numerous destructive wildfires have ravaged the United States in recent years. Places like Arizona, California, and Colorado have experienced record-setting property damage and loss of life. That’s why you should never let your guard down, even with Washington State’s less destructive wildfire season in 2022.
Wildfires often spread quickly and leave devastation in their wake. Homeowners don’t usually start these blazes, but individual properties could sustain extensive damage if they end up in the path of a wildfire. Fortunately, there are ways to significantly reduce this risk. Here’s how to protect your home from wildfires.
Clean Out the Gutters
Over time, gutters can accumulate dead leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other combustibles. When these materials dry out, they become ideal fuel sources for wildfires. All it takes is one stray ember to ignite the debris in your gutters and risk serious damage to the rest of your home.
Regular gutter cleaning can prevent this scenario. Plan to clean your gutters twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall. You may need more frequent cleaning than this if you live in a wooded area. If you are not comfortable doing this chore yourself, hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
Install Gutter Guards
The purpose of gutter guards is to prevent debris from entering your gutters in the first place. They decrease the need for gutter cleaning and prevent combustibles from accumulating near the roof. In addition, gutter guards can keep stray embers at bay. Even if embers land near the gutters, a fire should not ignite due to the lack of fuel.
Sweep Debris from the Roof
Don’t ignore leaves, twigs, and other materials accumulating on the roof, which can act as wildfire tinder. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove debris from the roof. Then, bag the material instead of allowing it to pile up on the ground, where it could continue being a fire hazard.
Use Fireproof Building Materials
When replacing your roof, choose composite shingles, clay tiles, metal, or treated wood that won’t readily combust when exposed to flames. Fireproof siding—such as fiber cement, stucco, stone, and brick—also effectively reduces the risk of wildfire damage.
Prevent Embers from Getting Inside
Wildfire embers can travel long distances, landing on roofs and starting fires. To prevent embers from sneaking into your home, install metal mesh screens on chimney openings, roof vents, and the gap below your deck.
Trim Vegetation
Trees and shrubs near your home are potential fuel sources for wildfires. Thin out the trees on your property, remove any vegetation planted within 30 feet of your home, and trim branches that overhang the roof.
These tips could mean the difference between minor damage and losing your home to a wildfire. For help preparing your gutters for wildfire season, turn to High Point Gutter. We offer gutter maintenance and gutter guard installation for your peace of mind. To request gutter services in Snohomish or King County, please call our gutter company at (425) 449-6622 or contact us online.
