Applications Siding: 1×8” | Shiplap | (STK) Cedar Soffit: 1×6” | T&G | Douglas Fir Interior Ceilings: 1×6” | T&G | Douglas Fir
Product AquaFir™ | Cascade | Smooth
DESIGN VISION
In a landscape dominated by stucco, brick, steel, and concrete, the visionaries behind Arrow Point Residence sought to redefine Arizona architecture by integrating natural wood into their design of this stunning golf course estate.
SOLUTION
Strategic material selection played a pivotal role in achieving the desired interior and exterior architectural palettes.
For the exterior siding, Western Red Cedar was chosen for its innate stability across diverse climates, ensuring longevity and visual appeal.
The more sheltered areas such as the soffits and interior ceilings called for the resilience and warmth of Douglas Fir.
Both substrates were meticulously finished with AquaFir™ in Cascade color, boasting a smooth texture that elevates the overall design to unparalleled heights of sophistication.
Reducing Fire Risks: Tips and Best Practices for Fire Hardening Your Home
Posted on: March 8, 2024
Wildfires are an increasing threat to homes and properties, especially in vulnerable regions. Protecting your home from this devastating force of nature is a wise investment and a crucial safety measure.
With fire hardening and home hardening techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home catching fire during a wildfire.
Below, we will guide you through the process of hardening your home, creating a fire-resistant landscape, and complying with standard practices to ensure maximum protection.
Key Takeaways
Understand and assess the wildfire risk for your home
Implement fire prevention measures such as creating defensible space zones, using fire-resistant building materials, protecting vulnerable features & ensuring emergency vehicle access
Comply with local building codes to ensure adequate protection from wildfires
Understanding Fire Hardening and Home Hardening
Fire hardening your home is a process designed to reduce ignition risk and make a home more resistant to radiant heat and direct flame contact from wildfires. It serves a critical role in defending homes against wildfires and adheres to the National Fire Protection Association guidelines.
The steps involved in hardening a home include:
Assessing the wildfire risk
Creating a fire-resistant landscape
Selecting fire-resistant building materials
Protecting vulnerable home features
Ensuring accessibility for emergency vehicles
Planning for water supply and firefighting equipment
Complying with relevant building codes and standards
Homeowners looking to get started can use resources like the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, the Fire Adapted Communities Self-Assessment Tool (FAC SAT), and FAC Net. These offer guidance on correctly storing and handling combustible and flammable liquids.
Assessing Wildfire Risk for Your Home or Business
Assessing your home or business’ wildfire risk begins with examining the Immediate Zone, which extends 0-5 feet from your residence.
In this zone, flammable materials should be minimized to reduce the risk of ignition. To increase your home’s wildfire resistance in the Immediate Zone, use ignition-resistant siding, roofs, decks, attic vents, eaves, and windows, and remove flammable vegetation.
In the Intermediate Zone, careful landscaping can be employed to reduce the continuity of fuels and impede the spread of fire. For example, removing branches that overhang the structure is a critical step to help ensure your home doesn’t catch fire.
In the Extended Zone, trees and vegetation should be spaced and pruned to reduce the size of flames, keep them closer to the ground, and interrupt the fire’s path. For safety reasons, combustible materials should not be stored on or under decks in the Immediate Zone, as flying embers can easily ignite them during a wildfire.
Creating a Fire-Resistant Landscape
Reducing wildfire risk involves:
Establishing defensible space zones around your home
Creating fuel breaks
Maintaining trees to minimize the chances of your home catching fire during a wildfire.
The following sections provide a detailed exploration of defensible space zones, fuel breaks, and tree maintenance.
Defensible Space Zones
Defensible space zones are areas surrounding a dwelling and its surrounding property cleared of combustible materials and vegetation to create a separation between the home and potential fuel sources. According to the Colorado State Forest Service, there are three home ignition zones:
Zone 1: which extends up to 5 feet from the home
Zone 2: which extends from the outer edge of Zone 1 to 30 feet from the home
Zone 3: aims to decrease the concentration of combustible vegetation and create an environment that restricts the advancement of fire.
The objective of interrupting the fire’s progression in Zone 2 is to contain the flames and ensure they remain on the ground. To achieve this, the following measures should be taken:
Clear vegetation from beneath propane tanks
Maintain a low density of fuels around the residence to provide additional time in the event of a fire
The recommended spacing between trees and bushes in Zone 2 is at least 10 feet.
Fuel Breaks
Fuel breaks are strategically placed barriers that slow or stop the spread of wildfires. They are integral to wildfire prevention, as they regulate forest fuels and reduce fire intensity. Various fuel breaks exist, including:
Shaded fuel breaks
Brown strips
Mowed fuel breaks
Targeted grazed fuel breaks
Mechanical treatments
Manual treatments
Chemical treatments
Biological treatments
Prescribed fire treatments
To create adequate fuel breaks, homeowners should:
Prioritize assets and valued resources
Treat or graze vegetative fuel breaks to manage excess litter and invasive plants
Focus fuels reduction efforts in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone
Consider factors such as suppression, weather, and fire behavior
Establish shaded fuel breaks
A fuel break for residential properties typically ranges from 2 to 15 feet in width, depending on the type of forest, fuel loading, and the recommendations of a wildland fire fuels specialist or Area Forester.
Tree Maintenance
Regular tree maintenance in wildfire-prone areas can help prevent the spread of fire. Here are some steps you can take:
Prune and remove dead branches to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
Maintain proper spacing between trees to help mitigate the risk.
Remove debris and excess yard waste to prevent fire from spreading. Late winter, from mid-February through early March, is the ideal time for pruning trees for wildfire prevention. Trees are still dormant, allowing maximum growth and the chance to identify and address potential problem areas.
When it comes to pruning trees in Zone 1, the focus is on preventing the spread of fire through foliage or vegetation. Removing low-hanging branches, shrubs, and other vegetation is a way to reduce the risk of a wildfire reaching the tree canopy. This is an essential step in preemptively protecting trees from wildfires. Regular tree maintenance not only keeps your property safe but also contributes to the overall health of your trees.
Selecting Fire-Resistant Building Materials
Selecting fire-resistant building materials is pivotal in fire-resistant construction, shielding your home from wildfires. Materials such as:
Taking measures to interrupt a fire’s path can significantly reduce the risk of your home catching fire during a wildfire.
The following sections delve deeper into fire-resistant roofing materials, siding options, and window and door choices.
Roofing Materials
The choice of fire-resistant roofing materials is critical to diminishing the likelihood of your home catching fire during a wildfire. Some fire-resistant roofing materials include:
Composition
Metal
Clay
Tile
To ensure the protection of your home’s roof, it is advisable to regularly remove any combustible debris, such as dry leaves, moss, and trash, from the roof.
The fire-resistance ratings for different roofing materials are classified as follows:
Class A: provides the highest level of fire resistance
Class B: provides moderate fire resistance
Class C: provides minimal fire resistance
Unrated: does not have a specified fire-resistance rating
When selecting roofing materials, it is essential to consider local building codes and regulations. In addition, make sure to enclose eaves with fire-resistant materials to reduce the fire risk.
Siding Options
Choosing fire-resistant siding options can significantly shield your home’s exterior from wildfires. Fiber cement, stucco, and pre-treated wood are all fire-resistant siding options.
When selecting siding materials, connecting the siding from the foundation to the roof is essential to prevent the passage of flames and embers.
Pre-treating wood to make it fire-resistant involves applying a fire-retardant treatment to the wood surface or impregnating it into the wood.
At Montana Timber Products, we offer both options.
Material that gets our Fireline Pressure-Treated treatment goes through a certified pressure-treatment process and exceeds the most stringent fire suppression standards, such as building in areas designated by the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code.
For those areas where fire can still be a threat (but they aren’t considered Wildland Urban Interface zones), our FlameShield Topical is an excellent fire treatment option.
FlameShield Topical is an invisible, Class A-Rated fire retardant that reduces flame spread and smoke development. Our specialized non-toxic formula is UL Greenguard Gold Certified with low VOC content and emissions. Once properly coated, dried, and cured into the wood substrate in our facility, it is permanent and never needs to be reapplied.
If you want to learn more about our fire treatment options for natural wood products, check out our website’s Fire Treatment for Wood page.
Protecting Vulnerable Home Features
Minimizing wildfire damage requires a focus on safeguarding vulnerable home features such as vents, rain gutters, and garages. In the following sections, we will discuss the importance of protecting ventilation and attic vents, rain gutters, roof debris, garages, and storage sheds.
Ventilation and Attic Vents
Installing metal mesh screens on ventilation and attic vents is essential for preventing embers from entering your home during a wildfire. For fire resistance, 1/8-inch or 1/16-inch wire mesh is recommended for metal mesh screens on ventilation and attic vents. Fiberglass or plastic mesh should be avoided as they can melt and burn.
To ensure proper installation of metal mesh screens on ventilation and attic vents, follow these steps:
Select a metal mesh screen with a maximum opening size of 1/8 inch.
Securely attach the metal mesh screen to the vents, including under-eave and soffit vents and exterior attic vents.
Consider using baffles in addition to the metal mesh screen for vents in eaves or cornices.
Ensure the metal mesh screen is firmly attached to the vents for maximum protection.
Rain Gutters and Roof Debris
Regularly cleaning rain gutters and removing roof debris is essential for reducing the risk of fire spreading to your home. It is advisable to clean gutters bi-annually, in the spring and autumn, to reduce the risk of fire effectively.
Some practical ways to remove combustible debris from rain gutters include:
Utilizing a wet/dry vacuum with applicable accessories
Manually clearing the gutters and flushing them with water
Using a leaf blower
Washing away small particles and dirt with a garden hose or pressure washer
Performing regular gutter cleaning and upkeep.
Garage and Storage Sheds
Hardening your garage and storage sheds protects your property from wildfires. To do so, install weather stripping around garage doors, store flammable objects at a safe distance from the door, and cover windows and vents with metal mesh. Metal sheds and steel buildings are generally regarded as the most fire-resistant materials in garages and storage sheds.
To reduce fire risk, follow these guidelines:
Store flammable objects at least 10 feet away from the garage or shed.
Cover windows and vents in garages and sheds with 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch wire mesh.
Avoid using fiberglass or plastic mesh, as they may melt and burn.
Ensuring Accessibility for Emergency Vehicles
It’s vital to your property’s safety and that of firefighters to ensure your driveway and access roads are wide enough and free from obstructions, allowing emergency vehicles to reach your home during a wildfire. The recommended width for driveways to ensure accessibility for emergency vehicles during wildfires is 28 feet, with a minimum vertical clearance of 14 feet. Having a visible address number is also beneficial to firefighters in locating your residence quickly.
To ensure clear passage for emergency vehicles, the following actions should be taken:
Regular mowing and trimming of trees and bushes
Removal of overgrown branches and vegetation that obstruct visibility
Trimming back tree limbs and vegetation from sidewalks
Removal of trees or plants near fire hydrants
Creating spacing between shrubs and trees
Planning for Water Supply and Firefighting Equipment
Proactive planning is vital to safeguard your home in the event of a wildfire. Here are some steps you can take to be prepared:
Ensure you have an accessible water supply. This can include installing a water storage tank or connecting to a nearby water source.
Invest in firefighting equipment. Non-collapsible fabric fire hoses or hoses designed explicitly for firefighting purposes are the most suitable options for firefighting scenarios at home.
Consider acquiring equipment such as electric pumps, portable tanks, and wildland firefighting equipment like engines, water tenders, dozers, and caterers.
By taking these steps, you can increase your readiness and protect your home from a wildfire.
It is also essential for homeowners to have emergency kits with items like:
water
food
flashlights
batteries
first-aid supplies
prescription drugs
clothing
Consult with local fire departments or fire safety experts to determine the amount of water needed to extinguish a fire in your specific building during the pre-planning stage.
Complying with Building Codes and Standards
Adherence to local building codes and standards is crucial in optimizing your home’s fire resistance. The relevant building codes and standards for fire resistance include the NFPA Codes and Standards, the International Building Code (IBC), and Fire Prevention and Safety Codes. These codes and standards are in place to ensure people’s safety and the public’s welfare by regulating design, construction practices, and the quality of construction materials.
Building codes and standards for fire resistance can vary regionally, considering factors such as climate, local building materials, and historical fire incidents.
Therefore, it is essential to refer to the specific building codes and standards of the region where the construction occurs to guarantee compliance with local fire resistance regulations.
Summary
In conclusion, fireproofing and implementing home hardening techniques are essential to protecting your property from the devastating effects of wildfires.
By assessing your home’s wildfire risk, creating a fire-resistant landscape, selecting fire-resistant building materials, protecting vulnerable home features, ensuring accessibility for emergency vehicles, planning for water supply and firefighting equipment, and complying with building codes and standards, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home catching fire during a wildfire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you completely fireproof a house?
It is not possible to completely fireproof a house, but by using fire-resistant or fire-retardant building materials, you can reduce the danger of fire threatening your property.
What is the difference between fireproof and fire-resistant?
Fireproofing and fire resistance are not the same, as fireproofing involves protecting the material from combusting, while fire resistance entails protecting the material from the effects of fire, such as heat and smoke. Knowing the difference is crucial for safeguarding homes or businesses from fires.
What are the key steps involved in fire hardening a home?
Critical steps for fire hardening involve assessing the wildfire risk, creating a fire-resistant landscape, selecting fire-resistant building materials, protecting vulnerable home features, ensuring accessibility for emergency vehicles, planning for water supply and firefighting equipment, and complying with relevant building codes and standards.
Applications Exterior Cladding: 1×6” | Shiplap | Douglas Fir Soffit: 1×6” | Tongue & Groove | Douglas Fir
Product AquaFir™ | Black | Smooth AquaFir™ | Charcoal | Smooth AquaFir™ | Bronze Cedar | Smooth
DESIGN VISION
Drawing inspiration from the captivating contrasts and textures found in nature, the vision for this project is to seamlessly blend natural elements with modern architectural design principles. Embracing the warmth and beauty of Utah’s mountain landscape, the aim is to create a space that exudes tranquility, spaciousness, and a welcoming atmosphere. Through the strategic use of materials and thoughtful attention to detail, the design seeks to evoke a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment while offering contemporary comforts and style.
SOLUTION
Enter AquaFir™, the epitome of natural beauty and modern design. With its range of contrasting colors – Black, Charcoal, and Bronze Cedar – AquaFir™ effortlessly bridges the gap between rugged mountain terrain and contemporary architectural lines. The smooth finish of AquaFir™ adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining the warmth and welcoming atmosphere essential for a family-friendly retreat.
The Barn: Timeless Craftsmanship with ranchwood™ Artisan
Posted on: February 6, 2024
An Interior Space Designed with Distinctive and Enduring Quality
PROJECT DETAILS
Location Utah
Project Type Hospitality & Resort
Applications Interior Cladding: 1×6” | Shiplap | Douglas Fir (Knotty) | Kiln-Dried > 15% MC
Product ranchwood™ Artisan | Ash | Raked
THE VISION
The Barn project in Park City, Utah emerges as a haven for recreation, relaxation, and wellness. Imbued with a classic Western-style barn house aesthetic, the project not only seeks to entertain but also to provide a sanctuary for rejuvenation.
THE SOLUTION
Comprising two key structures, The Barn’s first building boasts diverse amenities – a pizzeria, ice cream shop, general store, sports court, game room, and arts & crafts studio, catering to both the young and the young at heart. The second structure acts as a restorative retreat, featuring a fully-equipped fitness center, juice bar, spa with an extensive treatment menu, and a serene zen pool lounge.
ranchwood™ Artisan Integration
The interior cladding, specifically 1”x6” Shiplap Douglas Fir, takes the form of ranchwood™ Artisan in Ash color with Raked texture. This deliberate choice not only aligns with Victory Ranch’s vision of a Western barn house but also contributes to crafting a warm, inviting ambiance for their guests.
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHT
The selection of ranchwood™ Artisan is not merely an aesthetic choice but a technical one. The precision in custom milling and multi-step prefinishing reflects a commitment to quality and durability, ensuring the interior not only embodies the desired Western charm but also stands the test of time.
Applications Siding: 1×8” | Shiplap with ⅛” Reveal | Douglas Fir Fascia: 1×10” | Square Edge | (STK) Cedar Soffit: 1×6” | Tongue & Groove | Douglas Fir Interior Cladding: 1×8” | Shiplap with ⅛” Reveal | Douglas Fir
Dylan Chatwin of Chatwin Homes and Delia Chatwin from The Lifestyle Collective envisioned a project that serves as “a love letter to those who care and are passionate about quality build and design.” Stonewood, a project close to their hearts, aimed not only to present a signature property in the Park City Showcase but also to showcase their distinctive design aesthetic. – Organic Earth.
THE SOLUTION
Walking through Stonewood, the goal was for visitors to sense the genuine love and meticulous care infused into every aspect of the home. To realize this aesthetic, the project incorporated materials with neutral tones, warm organic palettes, and abundant texture.
Intentionally using travertine stone, concrete, and wood throughout the property brought the essence of the outdoors inside. The selection of AquaFir™ in various shades, particularly the dramatic AquaFir Black cladding in the dining room, added a unique touch, complementing the overall design and encouraging occupants to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the space.
Stonewood stands as a 10,221-square-foot masterpiece, showcasing the seamless integration of AquaFir™ into its design.
Applications Vertical Siding: 1×6” | Shiplap | (STK) Cedar Vertical Siding: 1×8” | Shiplap | (STK) Cedar Ceilings: 1×6” | Shiplap | Doug Fir Overhang Trim: 1×6” | Square Edge | (STK) Cedar Fascia: 1×6” | Square Edge | (STK) Cedar Garage Door Trim: 1×12” | Square Edge | (STK) Cedar
Product AquaFir™ | Battleship | Wire Brushed
THE WOODLANDS RESIDENCE
Woodlands stands as a testament to family legacy, spanning three generations within the serene woods of Richmond, Vermont. This thoughtfully designed residence harmonizes communal and private spaces, ensuring the essential equilibrium for a multigenerational household.
NATURE-INSPIRED DESIGN
Deeply rooted in its forest surroundings, Woodlands embraces sustainable living practices to minimize its environmental impact. The absence of fossil fuels, compliance with Vermont’s stringent energy stretch code, and a strategic site plan that integrates with existing trails and outdoor spaces showcase the commitment to a symbiotic relationship with nature.
AQUAFIR™ INTEGRATION
In line with the eco-conscious ethos, the choice of AquaFir™ Battleship for exterior applications, with its wire-brushed finish, not only aligns with contemporary aesthetics but also reflects the essence of the wooded landscape. The warm tones and textured allure of AquaFir™ seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings, creating a visual dialogue between the architectural design and the forested haven.
Explore the sustainable and aesthetic qualities of AquaFir that contribute to the eco-friendly narrative of Woodlands. From modern designs to the inherent beauty of natural materials, AquaFir™ emerges as a vital element in this narrative.
Product Aquafir™ | Battleship | Smooth | CMG Douglas Fir Aquafir™ | Tobacco | Smooth | CMG Douglas Fir Aquafir™ | Light Brown | Smooth | CMG Douglas Fir Aquafir™ | Black | Smooth | CMG Douglas Fir
THE VISION
Envisioned with meticulous intent, the interior & exterior cladding aimed to blend seamlessly with the breathtaking lake views, placing a deliberate emphasis on the choice of materials. The homeowner, with an astute eye for detail, purposefully selected distinctive AquaFir™ colors in clear mixed grain Douglas Fir – a species known for its knot-free natural beauty and durability.
THE SOLUTION
AquaFir™ colors of Battleship, Tobacco, Brown and Black were incorporated strategically throughout the residence. Each hue, carefully chosen, serves to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and elevate the contemporary aesthetic.
Opting for a smooth texture, the prefinished AquaFir™ materials not only complemented the mountain modern aesthetic but also integrated flawlessly with the overall color palette. The end result? A stunning mountain modern lakeside retreat that beckons to be shared with friends and family.
Crafting a distinctive residence in Idaho, the client envisioned a home where the intrinsic beauty of natural wood would play a pivotal role in enhancing curb appeal. The goal was to tastefully integrate wood accents, particularly focusing on enhancing the gables, to create a timeless and visually striking exterior.
THE SOLUTION
AquaFir™ Olympic emerged as the natural choice to bring this vision to life. The prefinished, smooth textured Douglas Fir option not only complemented the desired aesthetic but allowed for tasteful placement on the gables, transforming them into focal points of architectural brilliance.
WHY AQUAFIR™?
Architectural Versatility: The versatility of AquaFir™ allows architects to create visually stunning exteriors by strategically incorporating wood accents, adding depth and character to the overall design.
Budget Friendly: AquaFir™ stands out as the most economical choice offered by MTP, ensuring that architects can achieve superior aesthetic results without compromising on budget considerations.
Extensive Colors: Offered in a wide range of colors, AquaFir™ provides architects unmatched flexibility to choose from a sweeping palette to complement diverse design intentions.
A home that gracefully embraces the essence of modern Belgian design. Seamless integration of sleek lines, rustic wood, and warm textures. It’s a vision of understated luxury, where each element speaks the language of sophisticated simplicity. Softer finishes are contrasted with intentionally sought rougher elements.
THE SOLUTION
In realizing this vision, AquaFir™ Driftwood takes the stage, its smooth STK Cedar finish harmonizing with the light stucco exterior.
This modern Belgian canvas extends to the interiors, where every material is curated for its ability to embody refined simplicity. Stone wainscoting, with its subtle presence, becomes the grounding element, adding a touch of authenticity to the modern narrative. Together, these elements coalesce into a solution that transcends mere design—it becomes an expression of modern elegance, turning this Midwest residence into a haven of curated sophistication.
Nestled in the idyllic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, a homeowner dreamed of a special mountain retreat. Their vision was not just about creating a striking contemporary design, but also about ensuring that it could weather the challenges posed by the area’s recurring wildfires.
THE SOLUTION
To bring their dream to life while addressing the wildfire concern, the homeowner took practical steps to safeguard their sanctuary.
First, they established a safe buffer zone between the house and the surrounding forest, a measure that added a layer of protection.
The next crucial step involved choosing Fireline™ Pressure-Treated wood for all their natural wood materials, making their home compliant with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards. This simple decision enhanced the natural wood’s ability to withstand potential threats.
Now, the homeowner could cherish the beauty of natural wood while feeling secure in the knowledge that their retreat was equipped to stand strong in the face of nature’s unpredictable challenges. This home became a testament to both aesthetics and practicality, offering peace of mind amidst its cozy ambiance.