Please click on the video to the right to get an idea of how easily sparks can get into your building

This was recorded using a sparkler and a replica of a standard truss-framed attic. There is a squirrel cage fan in the background blowing air at approximately 30 MPH

In this video, the vent is a standard 1/4 inch mesh screen, which is in most houses in the western part of the country

The rest of the page goes into whether you should install just ember-resistant vents. And if so, which ones.

There are three basic types of ember-resistant vents: the basic one, which is code-compliant and is accepted by the State and IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety). The next 2 are provide better protection than the basic model. The next level up has either a finer mesh or other modification that reduces the amount of embers that can enter the attic or roof. Third are the best on the market today and not only stop embers; they can actually close off if fire is adjacent to them and not allow flames

Fire Resistant Vents

A quick discussion is advised before making the decision of which vent to choose.

Project risk management.

We are not trying to scare you, we just want to help you make an informed decision. Wildfires are burning twice as much area as the did in the early 2,000`s (25 years). Wildfires in the western United States have significantly worsened over the past several decades, according to research led by UCLA. Forest fires now burn 10 times as much acreage annually as in 1985, and severity has increased even faster — high-severity fire alone increased thirtyfold in California between 1985 and 2024. Over the past century, the region has seen increases in forest area burned, burn severity, fire spread potential and fire season length. CalFire data show eight of the 10 largest wildfires in California’s last 100 years occurred within the last 10 years. The amount of building owner`s forced to use the California Fair plan has tripled since 2022.

Vents are only a part of the home hardening being mandated, if you live in an extreme fire zone, talk to an expert to get an idea of what's necessary and what possible.

The above photos are provided to help get an idea of what exists and what is legal. There are many vents on the average home and we are not going to cover all of them on this page.

We want to make sure people are aware that vents that use intumescent paint (Vulcan and BrandGuard) will need to be replaced if they are exposed to heat over 600 to 800 degrees. Having to replace vents instead of a building a new building is a bargain though.

Choosing the vent or boxing in your eaves first then vents

So, if you choose to install only vents right now and leave your eaves unboxed because it isn't mandated, that is perfectly fine. However, we advise selecting a basic or mid-range vent option. If you install deluxe vents on open eaves, they will need to be removed and replaced if you decide to box in your eaves later.

Deciding whether to box in your eaves or simply install vents comes down to two main factors: your proximity to the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), and your financial resources relative to the value of your home and belongings. The closer your home is to a WUI zone, the higher the likelihood of needing coverage through the California FAIR Plan. Ultimately, if protecting your home and its contents is your top priority, boxing in your eaves provides the highest level of defense.

This image of a boxed eave is to inspire - boxing and eave can add to the ascetics of your building.

Basic enclosed eave

Original 1/4" screen

Current code screen 1/8"

Stainless steel 1/8" mesh. code compliant

2" grilled vent NOT CODE

2" 1/16" mesh vent. cost effective

2" Vulcan vent - stops embers and flame

2" BrandGuard - stops embers and flame

Other Ember Entrance Points

Vents are just one way that embers enter your buildings, they can also get in though the roof and holes in you siding or ignite damage trim boards around the building. Holes from pipes and wires that have been added over time can also let fire in.

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