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As an architect, builder, or estimator, you’re likely seeking highly rated, yet affordable solutions to fully harden houses against the increasing threat of wildfires. It’s estimated that ember attacks cause 90% of building loss during wildfires.
Embers can be carried miles ahead of a fire by the wind, endangering homes to ignition. Vents present the greatest vulnerabilities to structures, as standard louvered vents and 1/4″ mesh covers do not prevent embers from being sucked into a building’s interior.
As a result, new homes built in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) in California are required to include ember-resistant vents under Building Code Ch. 7A. Ember-resistant vents utilize features such as narrower mesh apertures (1/8″ or 1/16″) and intumescent materials that will expand under high temperatures to create a fire wall.
Source: Vulcan Vents
It’s vital to secure all possible ember entrance points, including vents on the roof, sides, and base of a home. Most vent manufacturers supply the following major vent types:
- Continuous vent – Runs along the roof ridge or soffit to provide uninterrupted airflow across the attic.
- Dormer vent – Mounted on dormer walls to ventilate attic or roof cavity spaces.
- Eave vent – Located under roof eaves to draw fresh air into the attic.
- Foundation vent – Installed in crawlspace walls to allow cross-ventilation and reduce moisture buildup.
- Gable vent – Placed high on gable ends to exhaust hot air from the attic.
- Soffit vent – Set into the underside of roof overhangs for intake ventilation.
- Balcony inspection vent – Small access vent panels in balconies or decks for inspection and moisture control.
Our team has researched manufacturers that are leading the way in the home hardening industry with patented materials and ASTM-tested vents that reduce ember penetration by up to 98%, while still satisfying home ventilation and air quality requirements. Their offerings can be installed newly or retrofitted over existing vents.
Ember-resistant vents are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to hardening a home against wildfires. To find innovative solutions for fire-resistant decking, siding, roofing, and more, you can consult our previous article on Fire-Resistant Building Materials.
Whether your clients reside in California or not, these materials will dramatically improve the security and longevity of your next build, while ensuring code compliance and enabling homeowners to more easily qualify for insurance.
Source: Firestorm Building Products
WUI Home Hardening Product Manufacturers
Featured Brand
Vulcan Vents
Loomis, CaliforniaVulcan Vents, a New Cal Metals company, build ember resistant vents for the whole home that maintain high airflow while blocking embers and flames with a patented design.
- Corrosion-resistant, stainless steel ember mesh blocks dangerous embers
- When temperatures become critical, the intumescent coating will expand, creating a fire wall
- Patented honeycomb matrix is ASTM 1-hour fire- and ember-resistant rated
Featured Brand
Firestorm Building Products
Loomis, CaliforniaFirestorm Building Products, also a subsidiary of New Cal Metals, provides ember-resistant vents, loose mesh for a variety of applications, and fire-resistant gutter guards that prevent the accumulation of flammable materials.
- Corrosion resistant stainless steel with black thermal powder coating
- 0.0657 mesh aperture opening for a balance of breathability and protection
Featured Brand
BrandGuard Vents
Lake Forest, CaliforniaFounded by a former firefighter who saw the damage of embers firsthand, BrandGuard Vents offers a patented overlapping baffle solution to block embers, rain, and rodents, supplemented by intumescent quick-expanding strips and 1/16″ fine mesh.
- ASTM E119 1-hr fire rated
- Anti-clogging overlapping baffles to trap embers and stop the spread of fire
- Available in stainless steel and copper with standard and custom sizes
Featured Brand
Embers Out
Lorba Linda, CaliforniaEmbers Out manufactures patented ember protection vents and filters that stand up to California building codes. They can be retrofitted over existing vents, or constructed new for specific cavity spaces.
- Products held up against 3 days of direct flame tests, stopping all embers, sparks, and flames
- ASTM E119 1-hr fire rated
Featured Brand
O’Hagin
Rohnert Park, CaliforniaO’Hagin produces ember resistant attic vents that eliminate the need for soffit or eaves vents, facilitating superior ventilation through the roof, while protecting homes from the spread of embers.
- Manufactured with patented stainless steel, 1/8″ fine/flexible wire filament for added protection
- Concrete, clay, and synthetic vent exteriors made with low, medium, and high profiles to blend into existing roof tile structures
For more resources on WUI home hardening and safety measures, consult our guide on fire-resistant building materials or educate yourself through the wildfire preparedness instructions on CAL Fire’s Ready for Wildfire or the Western Fire Chief’s Association.
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