Homes can be built to reduce risk of burning in fire-prone areas by using fire resistant technology and materials
El Segundo, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/10/2015 -- The recent fires that swept for California and other states have made some people wonder if a home can be built to survive such fires.
The answer is yes. The website ReadyForWildfire.org has a list of things homeowners can do to make their house more fire resistant.
"The first thing people need to check is the roof," said Cecille Maristela, founder of Urban Green Development Inc., a California general contractor. "Sparks and burning embers carried by winds can travel a long, long way. They can and do land on roofs. That's often how homes caught fire when a wildfire breaks out."
Asphalt shingles are the primary culprit, she said.
"Asphalt is made from crude oil, the same raw material that we get gasoline and diesel from. Of course, it will burn," she said. "There are attractive, functional and longer lasting alternatives like terra cotta and metal."
Metal roofs often come with a lifetime warranty. Colored metal can come with a 30 year warranty. Ms. Maristela said the price for a metal roof is often comparable to architectural-grade 30-year asphalt shingles.
"In addition to the roof itself, you need to protect any vent openings. Embers can touch down and fall through a vent," she said. "Use something that won't melt or burn. Fiberglass mesh will melt and burn. Get real metal."
Windows also need attention. Maristela suggests double-paned windows with tempered glass. This reduces the chance of the glass breaking when the fire gets close.
For more information on making homes more wildfire resistant, contact Ms. Maristela at www.ugdi.info or call (310) 364-5263.
About Urban Green Development, Inc
Urban Green Development Inc. is LEED Certified and can execute LEED Certified projects that transform the course of how buildings are designed, constructed, maintained and operated across the country. From water conservation to solar implementation UGDI will fulfill your ambition to diminish your project's impact on our environment
Contact: Cecille Maristela
222 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 2000
El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel: 310.364.5263
Email: info@ugdi.info