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Firewise Retrofit Demonstration House
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View of the "Firewise Demonstration House" before retrofit modifications |
Many people don't realize that
creating "Defensible Space" for wildfire protection doesn't
necessarily mean losing that "woodsy" look. This is well-illustrated
by a Firewise Retrofit House Project completed in Alachua
County in 2003. With the cooperation of the homeowner, a
20-year-old wood-frame home in a high wildfire hazard area
was modified to make the structure Firewise. The project
site was a home with cedar siding on 1.8 acres, surrounded
by dense brush and timber. A preliminary survey of the neighborhood
yielded a wildfire hazard rating of 117 points (extreme
wildfire hazard.) The following treatments were performed
for this demonstration project:
Landscaping Improvements
Trees within the area of Defensible Space were thinned (34
were removed, mostly pines) to prevent a wildfire from spreading
from the tree tops to the roof.
Highly flammable native plants (Saw Palmetto and Gallberry) were removed
within 30 feet of the house and thinned significantly beyond
that distance.
The existing irrigation system was expanded.
Less-flammable shrubs (Azalea, Oak Leaf Hydrangea, and Viburnum) were added within the zone of Defensible
Space and separated by areas of sod.
Pine needles, leaves and other natural debris was raked
up and removed.
Asphalt pavement replaced a pine-straw driveway creating
an additional fire break.
Structural Improvements
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View of the "Firewise Demonstration House" after retrofit modifications |
The exterior cedar siding was replaced with non-combustible
cement-fibrous siding. This non-combustible, low-maintenance
exterior also resists damage caused by extended exposure
to moisture, humidity, salt air and termites.
Class A Fire Resistant and Enhanced Wind Rated Shingles
replaced the existing shingles over Moisture Wrap Tape (4-inch
wide "peel and stick" tape) installed to provide a secondary
moisture barrier. Two plastic skylights were replaced with
tempered glass skylights. These are low "E", fire resistant
skylights and are considerably more durable than plastic
skylights.
The existing vinyl window screening was replaced with aluminum
fire resistant screening, to dissipate heat and the prevent
entry of firebrands.
A new spark arrestor was installed in the chimney.
A wooden fence extending from a corner of the house to perimeter
brush and shrubs was replaced with an attractive, fire resistant
aluminum fence.
The streetside address was made more visible to enable emergency
service vehicles to quickly locate the house.
As you can see from the "Before" and "After" pictures, "Defensible
Space" does not need to be a grassed expanse, devoid of
all trees and shrubs. Homeowners can create Defensible Space
and still have a beautiful landscape, shade trees for lower
energy bills, food and cover for wildlife and the feeling
of being "close-to-nature".
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