Fire Protection Tips to Keep Your Roof Safe

Whether it’s a little bit of maintenance or a slate roof installation, a lot goes into caring for your roof.

But it’s easy to forget that there’s more that can impact your roof than standard wear and tear! The 2021 wildfire season is expected to be an extreme one with 98 percent of land in the Western states experiencing drought.

If you’re wondering how to protect roof eaves from wildfire, there are a number of ways to do it. Whatever your roofing material, the following fire protection tips can help if worse comes to worst.

Keep It Clean

Twigs and leaves can easily accumulate on your roof and in your gutters. Unfortunately, they can catch fire if they’re hit with flying embers from a fire.

In order to care for your roof, be sure to clear any clogs in your gutters and downspouts. You’ll also want to remove any accumulations of twigs or leaves elsewhere on your roof.

Installing a non-combustible gutter can go a long way towards how to protect eaves and roof vents from fire.

If branches are leaning over onto your roof, be sure to cut them back to lessen the risk of your roof catching fire.

Create a Firebreak Zone

It’s important to create a safety zone around your home so you can amp up the fire protection.

Fortunately, reducing the chance of your home catching fire takes little more than some standard maintenance!

Start by ensuring that your lawn is cut so that tall grass can’t catch sparks and ignite. Be sure to prune any trees that are situated close to your home so they’re a distance of approximately 30 feet away.

In addition, it’s important to store anything flammable safely so it does not become a hazard when a fire is burning out of control.

Firewood and other combustibles like tables and boats should be stored away from your home.

Consider a Roof Coating

If you’re wondering what you can do to protect roof from fire embers, a coating can function to keep your roof more durable. After all, with all the weather that it’s subject to, you don’t want your roof to go it alone!

Using a coating adds an additional layer of protection that can guard your home against UV damage. This thick surface can ensure your roof doesn’t dry out and reach the end of its life more quickly.

By applying a waterproof coating, you can extend its life and avoid other roof repairs down the road.

Clear the Chimney

The chimney is an integral part of your roof and it’s important not to forget about it when it comes to fire protection.

Be sure to inspect your chimney every six months so that flammable substances do not have the chance to build up.

Alongside inspections, you’ll want to clean your chimney once a year to make sure everything is in proper working order. Be sure that the dampers are functioning as they should.

A fireproof screen that covers your chimney can offer good protection against embers that may spark a fire.

Make Your Materials Matter

Metal roofs may be one of the top roofing trends. But you may not be aware that this roofing material also offers improved fire protection in the event of fires!

An ember can easily cause a roof made of wood shingles to ignite. However, in the case of a metal roof, a spark will simply fizzle out.

A non-combustible material like metal or even asphalt is one of the best options for roofing in an area that is prone to fire risk.

It’s also worth considering a fire-proof metal drip edge that will add additional protection against the elements.

Conclusion

Routine maintenance is an important part of sustaining the health of your roof. And, while events like wildfires might be unpredictable, there are ways you can protect your home.

By maintaining your perimeter and investing in the right roof materials, you can rest assured you’ve done what you can if the fire flames. A little bit of preventative work is always the best protection against damage from the elements.

If you’re wondering how to protect roof eaves from wildfire, reach out to the experts at Dr. Roof today at 1-818-514-1769 to get your free estimate.

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