If your Colorado home has a combustible roof, unscreened vents, a wood deck, mulch or firewood against the walls, or dense vegetation within the first five feet, it is likely underprepared for wildfire. Embers — not the flame front — ignite most homes, and they find the weakest point. Below are ten warning signs and the practical fix for each. If several apply to your home, a free on-site assessment will help you prioritize.
The warning signs — and how to fix each
1. A wood-shake or non-Class-A roof
The roof is the largest ember target on the house. A wood-shake or aging, low-rated roof is the highest-priority risk. Fix: upgrade to Class A roofing.
2. Open or unscreened vents
Attic and crawlspace vents let embers inside, where they ignite the home from within. Fix: install ember-resistant vents and screening.
3. A combustible deck
Wood decks catch embers in gaps and beneath the boards. Fix: rebuild or retrofit with Class A composite and noncombustible skirting.
4. Combustibles in the first five feet
Bark mulch, firewood stacks, planters, and shrubs against the walls create a direct ignition bridge. Fix: establish a noncombustible 0–5 ft zone — part of defensible space.
5. Dense vegetation close to the home
Ladder fuels and continuous shrubs carry fire toward the structure. Fix: thin and space vegetation per Zones 1–2 and choose fire-resistant plants — see firewise landscaping.
6. Combustible siding
Wood or vinyl siding can ignite from radiant heat or flame contact. Fix: fiber cement, metal, or stucco siding.
7. Clogged gutters and debris on the roof
Dry leaves and needles in gutters and roof valleys are perfect ember catchers. Fix: clean regularly and install noncombustible gutter guards.
8. Single-pane or untempered windows
Windows can fail under radiant heat, letting fire inside. Fix: upgrade to multi-pane or tempered glass during exterior work.
9. Gaps where the deck, fence, or siding meet
Embers lodge in gaps and connections. Fix: seal and detail these junctions with noncombustible materials.
10. No documented mitigation for your insurer
Even good work goes unrewarded if it isn't documented. Fix: get a completion certificate and IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home™ guidance you can submit for premium review.
Not sure how many apply to your home?
Use our 6-point self-check, then book a free on-site assessment. We'll prioritize the fixes that reduce your home's ignition risk the most.
Common Questions
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