Fire has helped humankind in various ways, but it has the force to damage communities and destroy lives. If you live in an area that is prone to fires or just want to keep your family safe, there are a few things that you can do to stay safe. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of fire damage.
Protect Your Roof
If you want to reduce your chance of a destructive fire, you have to start at the top of your home. You want to use fire-resistant materials that can protect your roof from extensive fire damage.
Roofs often have four different categories of fire resistance. A Class A roof can withstand heavy exposure to fire, and it is a must-have for those homes in fire-prone areas. These Class A materials include concrete or clay tiles, brick, asphalt fiberglass shingles, and metal. Class B materials can handle moderate exposure to fire. Fire-resistant treated shingles and shakes are part of this category.
Class C roofs consist of particleboard and plywood. These roofs only offer limited protection against light flames. Finally, any unrated roof is considered not fire-retardant. They are the most vulnerable to fires. If you are looking for the best protection against fires, you will want to choose a material from the Class A category for your roof.
Plug Up Those Roof Gaps
Even with the best roofing materials, your roof can still catch fire. For that reason, you may want to check out all those gap areas on the roof. Some sections can experience damage from a fire, especially spots with missing shingles or damaged flashing. In those areas, the fire can spread and reach the inner structure of your roofing system. Plus, those gaps allow the fire to root and spread throughout other parts of your home. It is vital to make sure all of those gaps are covered so that your home can stay safe against the flames.
Examine Your Chimney
On top of your home is the chimney. If you are inspecting your roof, take a look at the chimney. For those homes with a fireplace, a chute filters the smoke out of your house. Some fires can occur from this area, especially if you don’t take care of it. You want to make sure you have spark arrestors. Don’t forget about those yearly inspections. You might also want to find chimney fire extinguishing products that can help stop any damage in the case of an emergency.
Cleaning is also essential to the safety of your home. Soot and partially combusted materials can build up in your chimney. In some cases, that debris can ignite and send sparks to the top of your roof.
Inspect Your Electrical Wiring
Many fires are caused by faulty electrical wiring, especially in the attic or roof. If you have an older building or home, you will want to get that wiring inspected by a professional. In some cases, you can tell if the building has faulty wiring. With that, light fixtures fail to turn on, or light bulbs will flicker. Those burned wires can quickly spark a fire in the attic. Roof leaks can cause an electrical malfunction, leading to a fire.
Clean Around Your Home and Roof
Debris on your roof can look unsightly, and it can be used as fuel in the event of a fire. If the trash catches fire and burns, it can even overcome the fire resistance of your roofing materials. In turn, your roof could fail and burn down to the ground. With that, you want to make sure that the roof is cleaned regularly. Many professionals suggest an inspection and cleaning in the spring and fall.
Since you are already doing chores outside, make sure to take care of your landscaping. Any fallen branches, overgrown trees, dropped leaves, and pine needles can give just enough fuel to feed a fire. These flammable objects can endanger your home and the rest of the community.
In addition to that, make sure to dispose of any debris and trash on your property. You want to place any flammable materials into a sealed container, preferably a metal one. If you have any ashes, candles, or matches, make sure they are fully extinguished and placed in a garbage can.
Install Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are a necessary way to protect your home and roof. They are usually the first line of defense for your property. If there is smoke in the early stages of a fire, the detector will alarm. With that, you can take action to prevent catastrophic damage to your home.
Upgrade Your Windows
Extreme heat can cause your window glass to fracture or collapse. In some cases, the hot embers will burn through your screens. If you want the best fire-resistant options for your home, it might be time to upgrade your windows. Those double-paned windows are the best selections. With its tempered glass and metal screens, it is an excellent choice for fire protection. It might be time to purchase fire-resistant curtains to add another layer of protection for your home.
Use Fire-Resistant Materials
You already know that you can choose fire-resistant materials for your roof, but you can use those materials around other spots on your property. For example, if you want to build a deck, choose some great fire prevention options. Cement, stucco, brick, and fiber-cement products are the ideal choices for a fire-resistant deck. These materials can stand up to a fire and protect your home from any severe damage.
Stay Aware
Finally, stay aware of your surroundings. If you smell or see something unusual, make sure to call the fire department. Report explosions, smoke, and burning scents to the local authorities.
Protect Your Home
With these tips, you can protect your home and community from devastating fires. If you want to upgrade your windows or need a roof inspection, reach out to RGB Construction. Our professional team will make sure that your home stays safe throughout the year. You can schedule a consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
