Designing your house to be fire safe

The 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires were a devastating wake-up call, and in the aftermath, it’s crucial to rethink not just where we build, but how we build – with  fire safety, resilience, sustainability, and affordability front and center.

Core Design Principles for Fire-Resistant Homes

1. Building Materials

Roof:

• Use Class A fire-rated roofing like metal, concrete tiles, or asphalt shingles.

• Block embers with metal mesh (1/8") at roof vents.

• Siding: Avoid vinyl or untreated wood.

• Use fiber-cement, stucco, or masonry.

• Windows: Install dual-pane tempered glass to resist heat.

• Use metal screens on windows and vents.

• Eaves & Soffits: Boxed in, with vents screened.

• Decks: Build from fire-resistant composites or heavy timber.

• Keep the area underneath clear or enclose it with non-combustible material.

2. Roof & Gutter Maintenance

• Keep gutters and roof valleys clear of leaves and pine needles.

• Install gutter guards to reduce debris buildup.

4. Exterior Features

• Fences: Avoid attaching wooden fences directly to the house.

  If using wood, switch to non-combustible material near the home.

• Garage Doors: Ensure they’re tightly sealed to keep embers out.

• Screens: Install metal mesh screens on all openings.

5. Interior Design Choices

Sprinkler System: Consider a home fire sprinkler system.

Backup Power: Install battery backup or generators for water pumps, especially in rural areas.

6. Additional Defenses - Fire shutters, water tanks and ember guards

• CSIRO approved and certified Fire-resistant shutters auto-deployable metal shutters.

• Rainwater tanks or cisterns with external access for firefighting.

• Ember-resistant vents (e.g., Vulcan Vents or Brandguard).

• Window Fire Shutters play a crucial role in slowing the spread of fire and smoke during a house fire. Here's what they do:

Containing the Fire:

Fire shutters automatically close when a fire is detected (usually triggered by heat or a fire alarm), creating a physical barrier that helps prevent flames and heat from spreading to other parts of the building.

Protect Escape Routes:

By blocking fire and smoke from entering hallways or staircases, fire shutters help keep evacuation paths safe for longer.

Building Materials and Construction:

• Roof:

  Opt for metal, clay tiles, or asphalt shingles with a Class A rating, which are highly resistant to fire. 

• Exterior Walls:

  Consider materials like stucco, fiber cement, or brick, which offer greater protection against fire. 

• Windows and Doors:

  Install fire-resistant screens, and seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent ember entry. 

• Fire-Resistant Sealants:

  Use fire-resistant sealants to close gaps and joints in walls and ceilings. 

Defensible Space:

• Maintain Clear Space: Create a clear space around the house by removing dry vegetation and debris. 

• Use Hard Surfaces: Consider using hard surfaces like gravel or concrete closer to the house. 

• Avoid Tall Trees: Minimize the presence of tall trees that can easily catch fire near the house. 

Fire Protection Systems:

• Sprinkler Systems: Consider installing a fire sprinkler system to quickly extinguish fires. 

• Smoke Detectors: Install smoke detectors on every level of the house and in bedrooms. 

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Use carbon monoxide detectors on each floor to detect any leaks. 

• Emergency Exits: Design the house with multiple exit routes to allow for safe evacuation. 

Landscaping:

• Fire-Resistant Plants: Choose fire-resistant plants for landscaping, such as buckwheat, Catalina cherry, and coral bells. 

• Clear Vegetation: Regularly remove dry or dead plants that could easily ignite. 

• Fire Breaks: Consider creating fire breaks, especially in the path of likely fire spread. 

Additional Tips:

• Clean Gutters: Regularly clean gutters to prevent debris buildup. 

• Maintain Lawns: Keep lawns short and well-maintained. 

• Be Aware of Fire Hazards: Avoid using stoves or ovens for heating, keep combustible materials away from heat sources, and never use generators indoors. 

By incorporating these design features and safety measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage to their homes. 

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