There is no such thing as a fireproof house because no structure is ever completely immune to fire damage. If there would be one we’d be saving millions and millions for property damage. Sadly, that’s just not the case. But even then, it is possible to build a fire-resistant home. This can be done by using certain materials and procedures so it can help them last longer than any other home.
An undamaged wall, roof, and other structural elements prevent the spread of fire and retain its stability, giving residents more time to flee. As a result, the focus is more on building with fire-resistant materials that are stable enough in an event of a fire than with being fireproof.
Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your home or attending contractor continuing education, below are some tips on the subject worth knowing about. It can even be included in the plans for your next home upgrades.
Build Sturdy Foundations
Brick walls, concrete panels, among others are ideal materials for constructing foundations and structures for houses. It’s also recommended to build with materials that are Class A. The rate at which flames spread on the material is categorized as Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A-rated materials are rated to have the lowest flame spreading rate with a numeric value of less than 25. On the other hand, materials categorized as Class C rate 75 above and are more likely to catch fire at a faster rate than Class A and B. Class B materials have numeric values between 25 and 75.
Fire-resistant Walls
One way of going about making fire-resistant wallboards is having glass fibers and chemical compounds incorporated into the gypsum base, making it less prone to contracting as it warms up. This helps the board stay in place longer in an event of a fire. When the wallboard remains in place, the fire can be slowed, preventing the fire from reaching the wood structure of the wall.
Some homeowners an extra layer of the wallboard which is something you can do too. As for the exterior materials, consider switching the wood or vinyl siding with brick, stucco, or concrete.
Don’t Forget the Roof Too!
There are a variety of options for roofing materials. Some Class A materials used for roof coverings include aluminum, slate, clay, concrete, asphalt, and glass fiber composition, A higher roof slope resists fire better than a relatively straighter one. Burning embers roll away before they can burn all the way through. This also supplements the Class A roofing materials. Additionally, it’s encouraged to clear gutters of dry leaves and other debris especially if they may contribute to the spreading of the fire.
Separate Buildings Stay Separate
Wood is the best material to use for the sidings of your garage, but because of the nature of the material, it’s easy to catch flame and spread it. Combustible materials are materials that are easy to catch fire, spread, burn, or release flammable vapors when fire or heat is exposed to said materials. Some of which are paint thinners, wood, and wood-plastic composite, which are often parts of building extensions of the house, such as garden sheds, tree houses, and garages. In an event of a fire, it’s easier to isolate it by keeping these structures separate from the main residence.
Speaking of exterior structures unattached to the main residence, decking doesn’t have the same status. It’s often an outdoor extension of and attached to the house. Stone, brick, and concrete can be alternative materials for decking. But if you’re not willing to give up the wood, a good compromise would be to use fire-resistant paint and wood treatment.
Practice and Prepare
Fire prevention shouldn’t stop with the building materials used to build a home. Something as simple as having smoke alarms installed and fire extinguishers ready and available are among the bare essentials of fire prevention. Moreover, the National Fire Protection Association recommends for residents have a home fire escape plan in case of a fire. Moreover, it’s encouraged to have fire drills at least twice a year at home with your family.
There are many materials that can withstand fire longer than materials like wood and plastics. This makes them ideal for building the important parts of a home, such as the foundations, walls, and roof. It’s also important to mitigate and isolate any incidents of a fire and putting some distance between the house and the garage is the best way to do it. That way, the damage, and loss are more controlled.
But even with these measures put in place, it’s important to cover the basics too. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and a fire escape plan are among these. Be sure to cover the basics to ensure a more secure and safe home.
Meta title: 5 Big Changes to Make Your Home Fire-resistant
meta desc: If we could protect our homes from damage as much as we can, we’d do whatever is necessary. Upgrading your home with fire-resistant materials is a great way to start.
