Forest fires is a very real threat to your home, your belongings and your family. The fires, which are common in the dry American West, are known to throw sparks and embers can ignite roofs and destroy vulnerable households. A report by 2013 by CoreLogic, a business major and analytical information, it is estimated that 1.3 million homes in the U.S. West are located in areas of high or very high forest fire risk. With a large number of houses in danger, the question is: what can be done to protect your home?
The good news is, you can take steps to protect your family and your home. Your choice of roofing material could be the most important factor in reducing your risk of fire. Poorly maintained, and roof made of combustible materials such as shake the roof tend to catch and feed the sparks rose up in flames nearby. Kurt Simister, Park City fire Deputy Municipal, commented on roof preferred in his region, practices "in Park City we are in the wild land Interface. Roof resistive fires are needed to reduce the fire spread to the structures. "He was referring to the wildland urban interface - firefighter jargon for any area where structures could be threatened by wildfire. Mr. Simister said, "in Park City, we recommend metal roofing because of her performance against fire."
The Institute of insurance for business & home safety (IBHS) is in agreement, informing him that anyone living in areas flood wildfire should have a roof covering with a class-A rating. Some examples of common class A rated materials are metal, composition and concrete tiles or clay fiberglass asphalt shingles. The IBHS also warns against not classified rooftops, stating that "the most common example of an uncool roof coating is made using non-ignifuges shakes of treated wood or shingles." Home owners living in a high risk area who have a class step, old roof or damaged must be replaced by a roofing contractor with a class A fire-resistant roof.
Even fire-resistant roofing offers little protection if the debris or foliage is allowed to accumulate on the roof. Homeowners should be aware that a buildup of debris such as leaves and sticks of nearby trees may cause fire. If they are unable to clean and maintain their roofs themselves, professional coverage company can usually perform the task for a reasonable price.
Do not leave your home, family and assets vulnerable when protection against forest fires is so simple. Install and maintain a class rated roof fire resistant and do not forget that you are aware of any recommendation of roof for your region. If you are unsure of your roof rating or need maintenance on your roof, schedule an inspection of the roof with a local trusted roofing professional.
Sources:
CoreLogic. (2013) Report of CoreLogic Wildfire hazard risk. In CoreLogic.com. Accessed 4 February 2014
Insurance Institute for Business & home safety. Risks of roofing: roofing classified fire. In www.disastersafety.org. N.p., 2012. Web. February 4, 2014.
Email correspondence with Kurt Simister, Park City Deputy Fire Marshal
View the original article here
The good news is, you can take steps to protect your family and your home. Your choice of roofing material could be the most important factor in reducing your risk of fire. Poorly maintained, and roof made of combustible materials such as shake the roof tend to catch and feed the sparks rose up in flames nearby. Kurt Simister, Park City fire Deputy Municipal, commented on roof preferred in his region, practices "in Park City we are in the wild land Interface. Roof resistive fires are needed to reduce the fire spread to the structures. "He was referring to the wildland urban interface - firefighter jargon for any area where structures could be threatened by wildfire. Mr. Simister said, "in Park City, we recommend metal roofing because of her performance against fire."
The Institute of insurance for business & home safety (IBHS) is in agreement, informing him that anyone living in areas flood wildfire should have a roof covering with a class-A rating. Some examples of common class A rated materials are metal, composition and concrete tiles or clay fiberglass asphalt shingles. The IBHS also warns against not classified rooftops, stating that "the most common example of an uncool roof coating is made using non-ignifuges shakes of treated wood or shingles." Home owners living in a high risk area who have a class step, old roof or damaged must be replaced by a roofing contractor with a class A fire-resistant roof.
Even fire-resistant roofing offers little protection if the debris or foliage is allowed to accumulate on the roof. Homeowners should be aware that a buildup of debris such as leaves and sticks of nearby trees may cause fire. If they are unable to clean and maintain their roofs themselves, professional coverage company can usually perform the task for a reasonable price.
Do not leave your home, family and assets vulnerable when protection against forest fires is so simple. Install and maintain a class rated roof fire resistant and do not forget that you are aware of any recommendation of roof for your region. If you are unsure of your roof rating or need maintenance on your roof, schedule an inspection of the roof with a local trusted roofing professional.
Sources:
CoreLogic. (2013) Report of CoreLogic Wildfire hazard risk. In CoreLogic.com. Accessed 4 February 2014
Insurance Institute for Business & home safety. Risks of roofing: roofing classified fire. In www.disastersafety.org. N.p., 2012. Web. February 4, 2014.
Email correspondence with Kurt Simister, Park City Deputy Fire Marshal
View the original article here