Firewise Construction

Roofs

Wood shake and wood shingle roofs (although not common in Florida) are a special hazard. These roofs will quickly ignite when exposed to flames or fire brands. A wood shake or wood shingle roof also increases the chance that the fire will spread to other structures by producing airborne flaming shingles that can travel with the wind and land on other flammable surfaces. Recommended roofing materials include: Class A asphalt/fiberglass shingles, sheet metal, terra cotta tile and concrete. Roofs should be kept free of leaves and other debris.

Soffits

Construction materials such as vinyl soffits have a greater potential for damage from wildfire than fire resistant building materials. Vinyl soffits will soften when exposed to heat or flames from a wildfire and fall away from the roof trusses. When this occurs, windblown embers (fire brands) can enter the attic area and ignite the ceiling and/or roof. Installation of metal screening or hardware cloth under vinyl soffits has been recommended as a way to preserve the structural integrity of the soffits exposed to heat or flame. For maximum fire safety soffits should be made of non-combustible material or (minimum) ½-inch nominal wood sheathing.

Windows

For homes in the wildland/urban interface, windows and skylights can be critical entry points for wildfire. Radiant heat can break large windows allowing firebrands to enter the structure. Large, single-pane windows are particularly susceptible. Smaller windows with double-paned glass (better) or tempered glass (best) are more fire resistant.