Wildfires are not only a seasonal scare in California—they’re an ever-present risk. From superstar estates in Malibu to tight-knit communities in Sonoma, the devastation doesn’t discriminate. Whereas A-listers could have the assets to rebuild, the actual query is: How do on a regular basis owners defend their properties within the first place?
The reply is surprisingly easy. In line with hearth security consultants, a small dwelling improve—changing your attic vents—might be the important thing to stopping catastrophic losses.
A Small Repair with Large Affect
Veteran firefighter Brent Berkompas has seen firsthand how rapidly a wildfire can flip houses to ash. Throughout the notorious Outdated Hearth in San Bernardino, he watched 500 houses vanish in a single day—all as a result of embers discovered a method inside. That second led him and Kelly Berkompas to develop BrandGuard Vents, an ember-resistant vent resolution designed to maintain houses standing.
“Our vents supply Triple Safety,” explains Kelly. “They’ve overlapping baffles to cut back warmth from embers, superb mesh screens to dam ash and bugs, and increasing strips that seal off the vent when uncovered to excessive warmth. Conventional mesh vents simply gradual embers down—ours are designed to cease hearth entry altogether whereas nonetheless permitting airflow.”
At round $1,000 to put in throughout a rebuild, fire-resistant vents are some of the cost-effective methods to fortify a house in opposition to wildfire. “After we discuss dwelling hardening, the price is comparatively minimal,” mentioned Shaughn Ritchie, Normal Supervisor of BrandGuard Vents. “In distinction, shedding a house to a wildfire can imply thousands and thousands in damages, particularly in California. Investing in fire-resistant supplies and design isn’t simply good—it’s important.”
Why Isn’t This the Customary?
As the specter of wildfires will increase, the adoption of fire-resistant constructing codes is step by step increasing. Some insurance coverage firms now supply premium reductions for fireproofing efforts, however the monetary obligations nonetheless fall largely on owners.
“Making certain houses are constructed to resist wildfires ought to be a high precedence for each owners and policymakers,” Ritchie emphasizes.
Past vents, consultants advocate a layered method to dwelling hardening: sustaining defensible house, clearing dry vegetation, sealing exterior gaps, and utilizing fire-resistant supplies.
The Way forward for Hearth Security
As local weather change fuels bigger, extra damaging wildfires, the dangers are not confined to California. States like Colorado, Texas, Oregon, and Washington are going through comparable threats, pushing hearth security improvements into the nationwide highlight.
For these trying to take motion now, BrandGuardVents.com presents instructional assets, set up guides, and free estimate instruments. Contractors considering partnering may join via the positioning.
“Wildfires are getting extra intense,” Kelly warns. “However owners can take management. Small upgrades—like changing your vents—can imply the distinction between a home that’s misplaced and one which’s nonetheless standing. Don’t look forward to the flames to get shut. Act now.”
