Hardening Windows & Doors with Wildfires in Mind

Windows and doors are crucial points of vulnerability during a wildfire. Embers, radiant heat, and flames can easily break through or penetrate these areas, leading to rapid fire spread within your home. Hardening your windows and doors by selecting fire-resistant materials and making structural upgrades can significantly improve your home’s ability to resist wildfires.

This article covers the best practices for reinforcing these openings and reducing the risk of ignition.

Choosing Fire-Resistant Windows

Windows are highly susceptible to the intense heat generated by wildfires. They can shatter under extreme temperatures, allowing embers and flames to enter your home. Fire-resistant windows are designed to withstand higher temperatures and reduce the likelihood of breaking or warping.

Double- or Triple-Pane Windows: Opt for multi-pane windows, as they provide an extra layer of insulation and can better resist radiant heat. Double-pane windows, especially those with Tempered Glass, are less likely to break under heat stress than single-pane windows. Tempered glass is stronger and more resistant to heat, so it’s an ideal choice for fire-prone areas.
Laminated Glass: Laminated glass consists of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer. This interlayer keeps the glass intact, even if it cracks, and helps prevent flames and embers from entering. Laminated glass is also impact-resistant, making it an excellent choice for homes in wildfire-prone regions.
Fire-Rated Glass: For maximum fire protection, consider installing fire-rated glass, which is specially designed to withstand extreme heat. Fire-rated glass has been tested to resist temperatures up to 1,200°F and can delay the spread of flames for up to 20 minutes or more. While more expensive, this type of glass provides an additional level of safety.

Installing Fire-Resistant Window Screens

Window screens can play an important role in keeping embers out of your home. Embers can easily penetrate through standard screens, so upgrading to fire-resistant screens provides added protection.

Metal Mesh Screens: Use metal mesh screens with small openings—no larger than 1/8 inch. These screens are typically made from Stainless Steel or aluminum, which won’t melt or burn. They prevent embers from entering through open or cracked windows, and they also reduce the amount of radiant heat that reaches the glass.
Double-Layered Screens: For even more protection, consider double-layered metal screens. These screens provide an additional barrier against embers, blocking their entry and reducing the chance of window breakage.
Attachment and Seal: Ensure the screens are securely attached to the window frames. Look for screens that fit snugly against the frame to prevent embers from slipping through any gaps or loose edges.

Selecting Fire-Resistant Doors

Doors are a significant entry point during a wildfire, so reinforcing them is essential. Fire-resistant doors are available in a variety of materials, each with different levels of protection.

Solid-Core Wood Doors: While wood is generally combustible, solid-core wood doors provide better fire resistance than hollow-core doors. Look for doors that are at least 1¾ inches thick, as these are more resilient to heat and flames. Consider applying a fire-resistant coating to enhance their protection.
Metal Doors: Steel doors are an excellent choice for wildfire defense, as they’re non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures. A solid steel door with an insulated core offers superior fire resistance and strength compared to other materials.
Fiberglass Doors: Fire-rated fiberglass doors are non-combustible and available in various styles. These doors often have a higher Fire Rating than wood and can withstand radiant heat for longer periods. Check the fire rating when purchasing to ensure they meet wildfire safety standards.
Fire-Rated Doors: If you’re looking for the highest level of protection, install a fire-rated door. These doors are specifically tested to withstand flames and heat for up to 20, 45, or even 90 minutes, providing essential time for fire protection. Many fire-rated doors are available in metal, fiberglass, or composite materials.

Adding Fire-Resistant Weatherstripping and Seals

Ensuring that your windows and doors have fire-resistant weatherstripping and seals can help prevent embers, smoke, and heat from entering your home.

Weatherstripping: Choose weatherstripping materials that are fire-rated for exterior use, such as silicone or metal. Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows to create a tight seal that minimizes gaps where embers could enter.
Intumescent Seals: Intumescent seals expand when exposed to heat, forming a barrier against flames and smoke. These seals are commonly used on fire-rated doors and can be installed around the perimeter of doors and windows to create an additional line of defense.
Non-Combustible Thresholds: Install a metal or stone threshold at the base of doors to prevent embers from blowing under the door and entering your home. This provides an extra layer of protection and helps keep out embers and heat.

Using Fire-Resistant Shutters for Additional Protection

Shutters offer another level of protection for windows, helping to block radiant heat and keep out embers. Fire-resistant shutters can be deployed quickly and provide a physical barrier to flames and debris.

Metal Shutters: Choose metal shutters made from materials like steel or aluminum. These shutters won’t ignite and can withstand high temperatures, reducing the risk of window breakage or fire spreading into your home.
Roll-Down Shutters: Roll-down shutters are a convenient option that can be lowered over the windows before a wildfire. They are available in fire-rated models and offer robust protection from embers, heat, and impact.
Accordion Shutters: Accordion shutters attach to the sides of windows and fold out when needed. Fire-rated accordion shutters can provide quick, reliable protection against radiant heat and embers. They can be closed and locked in place to form a tight seal over windows, minimizing the chance of fire entry.

Managing Vegetation and Creating Defensible Space Near Windows and Doors

Vegetation around windows and doors can quickly ignite, spreading flames to these openings. Maintaining defensible space in these areas is essential for reducing fire risks.

Remove Flammable Plants: In the immediate area around windows and doors (within 5 feet), remove any flammable plants or materials that could catch fire and spread to your home. Avoid using wood Mulch in this area, as it can ignite easily.
Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes: Trim branches and plants so they don’t touch or overhang windows and doors. Clear away any dead branches, leaves, or debris that could serve as Kindling for a fire.
Install Non-Combustible Ground Cover: Use Gravel, rocks, or other non-combustible ground covers in place of wood mulch. Non-combustible materials around windows and doors can prevent flames from creeping close and reduce the chance of igniting Siding or frames.

Additional Resources

Reinforcing your windows and doors can make a significant difference in reducing your home’s vulnerability to wildfires. To explore more wildfire preparedness resources and fire-resistant building techniques, check out these organizations:

Firewise USA Program: Firewise USA provides practical tips and resources for improving your home’s wildfire resilience, including hardening your windows and doors. Visit the Firewise USA Program for more information.
Ready, Set, Go! Program: This program offers information on protecting your home from wildfires and preparing for evacuation. For additional resources on home hardening and wildfire safety, visit Ready, Set, Go!.
CalFire: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has live maps to track wildfires and advice on prevention measures. Highly recommended resource: https://www.fire.ca.gov/

Wrap-Up

By investing in fire-resistant windows and doors, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your home from the dangers of wildfires. Reinforced glass, fire-rated doors, ember-resistant screens, and strategic Weatherproofing all contribute to your home’s resilience.

Coupled with good vegetation management and defensible space, these measures help safeguard your property and loved ones from wildfire threats. Thoughtful preparation and regular maintenance are essential for creating a safe, fire-resistant environment that can better withstand the challenges of wildfire season.