Protect Your Home from Wildfire: Eaves

Understand your wildfire risk, identify solutions, and estimate costs

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  1. 1

    Check your risk

    Our free tool will ask you questions to identify whether your home is vulnerable to wildfire.

  2. 2

    Choose solutions & estimate costs

    Select solutions to protect your home from wildfire and estimate retrofit costs.

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Am I at risk?

Roof-to-wall intersections provide spaces for leaves and other debris to accumulate, which can expose the vulnerable exterior wall and roof to ignition from embers.

Skylights create additional hazards when leaves and other debris accumulate around the skylight unit and it becomes vulnerable to ignition from embers. A compromised skylight is an entry point for embers and flames into your home.

Ridge and off-ridge vents can be a point of entry for embers and flames into your home.

Wood roofs are very vulnerable to wildfire, particularly from embers. The highest priority for a home with a wood roof should be replacing the roof with a Class A roof covering (asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, tile, or metal).

Three ways a wildfire could ignite your home

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    Wind-blown embers

    Embers can fly more than 1 mile ahead of a wildfire front. They cause a majority of the damage to homes during a wildfire.

    Learn more about embers

    A wildfire near you may be more likely than you think

    Use wildfirerisk.org, a free tool by the USDA Forest Service, to see interactive charts and maps about wildfire risk in all communities, tribal areas, counties, and states in the US.

    Check the wildfire risk in your area

Why Should I Retrofit My Home for Wildfire Resistance?

Retrofitting your home can significantly improve its wildfire resistance, making it safer and more durable in the face of increasing wildfire risks. Here are some other benefits:

  • Your property may be easier to defend. During a wildfire, fire crews tend to defend structures that have the best chance of survival.
  • May be beneficial for obtaining insurance or keeping a lower premium. Potentially qualify for lower premiums with wildfire mitigation improvements.
  • May increase home value. A wildfire-resistant home may more attractive to potential buyers, increasing its resale value.
  • Cost savings. Many retrofits are affordable and offer long-term savings on maintenance and repairs.
  • Protect your community. Reducing your own risk also benefits your neighbors be reducing the likelihood of a fire spreading in your community.

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