Why Should I Have my VENTS screened?
One of the three most common ways homes ignite and burn during wildfires is by embers entering the home through vents. During a wildfire, embers are carried by wind and can travel for miles, well ahead of the main flame front. If these embers enter unprotected attic, crawl space, or foundation vents, they can ignite combustible materials like insulation, dust, or stored items within the home. Covering vents with fine, metal screens is a critical fire prevention measure.
How screens prevent ignition
How screens prevent ignition
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Block ember entry: The primary purpose of the screens is to create a physical barrier against windblown embers. Standard 1/4-inch mesh, which is common for pest control, is ineffective against embers. The recommended size is 1/8-inch or smaller, though finer meshes may risk clogging.
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Use non-combustible materials: Effective vent screens must be made of metal, such as stainless or galvanized steel that resists corrosion and will not melt or burn. Plastic or fiberglass screens are not suitable for fire prevention.
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Prevent internal ignition: By keeping embers out of attics and crawl spaces, screens eliminate one of the most common ways that homes are ignited during wildfires. The fire is less likely to spread from the outside in.​
Upgrading to ember-resistant vents
While adding fine mesh screens to existing vents is a cost-effective upgrade, modern ember-resistant vents offer enhanced protection. These commercially available products meet stringent building code standards, such as California's Chapter 7A, which applies to homes in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). These newer vents often incorporate additional features beyond simple mesh to provide a stronger defense:
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Intumescent coatings: Some fire-rated vents have a honeycomb matrix with a special coating that expands when exposed to high heat. This creates an insulating fire wall that completely seals the vent opening.
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Baffle systems: Ember-resistant vents may use overlapping baffles or angled louvers in combination with fine mesh to block embers while maintaining airflow.
Examples of brands:
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Vulcan Vents: Use an intumescent coating that expands to create a fire-blocking barrier at high temperatures.
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BrandGuard Vents: Feature a patented overlapping baffle design to trap embers.
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Ember Out Vents: Utilize a fine-aperture steel mesh to prevent ember entry.
Importance for home hardening
Vent protection is a key part of "home hardening," a strategy to reduce a structure's vulnerability to wildfires. In combination with other measures, such as maintaining defensible space, installing fire-resistant roofing, and clearing debris from gutters, covering vents with screens significantly increases a home's chance of surviving a wildfire.
Final steps
Whether you are screening existing vents or upgrading to Wildland-Urban Interface compliant ones, follow these additional home-hardening measures to maximize your home's protection:
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While we do not support the California Zone 0 Law now pending in the state legislature and have joined with other hillside communities and HOAs by signing a letter to fight the draconian stripping of vegetation in Zone 0-5, we do believe in taking common sense steps to mitigate fire danger. Fuels like dry wood mulch and dead vegetation, etc. should be considered dangerous in a wildfire ember storm and should be removed and all vegetation should be well maintained, trimmed and healthy.
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Clean and maintain: Keep roofs, gutters, and the areas around vents clear of flammable debris like leaves and pine needles.
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Address other vulnerabilities: Screening vents is one part of a comprehensive home-hardening strategy that should also address other ignition points, such as roofing materials, siding, windows, and decks.
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Document your improvements here.
Commercial Fire-Hardening Resources
Here are the names of some fire-hardening companies that various residents have used or that we’ve heard about. The Oaks Association is not recommending these firms, nor does the Association receive any remuneration from them (please see our full disclaimer below), but we mention them to you as possible resources.
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Offers 10% Discount for Oaks Residents
Geoff Ozima
NFPA Wildfire Mitigation Specialist
Former Hotshot Wildland Firefighter
714-357-2945
Licensed, bonded, and insured
Lic #1133944
Representatives from this company spoke at our Oaks Annual Meeting last March.
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The Full Disclaimer:
The information above is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon, and you should consult with appropriate advisors in making decisions with respect to the matters discussed above. The listing of the above vendors or any product or service provided by these vendors does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by The Oaks Neighborhood Association, any member of its board of directors, or any other person or entity. It is your sole responsibility to independently verify the qualifications, references and suitability of any vendor or any product or service provided by any vendor. Neither The Oaks Neighborhood Association nor any member of its board of directors nor any other person is responsible or liable for any of the information above or any agreement, product, service or damage arising from your relationship with any vendor or any product or service provided by any vendor.