04/12/2026
I often hear people say the answer to structure ignition—and keeping fire insurance—is a metal roof and stucco siding.
I understand why. Both are good materials, and they absolutely have value. But they are not a guarantee.
What many people don’t realize is that homes are rarely lost in a wildfire because of direct flame contact. The real driver is embers (firebrands), lofted by wind and raining down on homes for 40 minutes to 2+ hours before the flame front even arrives.
Even a home with a metal roof and stucco siding can be destroyed if those embers find vulnerabilities:
• Entering attic vents (where many of us store paper boxes and other flammable materials
• Collecting in gutters and igniting underlying materials
• Accumulating at the foundation and igniting sheathing behind stucco
• Getting under decks or into small gaps and seams
Another critical issue is breaches in the structure itself. Broken windows, non-tempered glass, pet doors, or even garage doors that flex under heat and wind can create openings that allow embers to enter the home. Once inside, ignition can occur in curtains, furniture, or stored materials—causing the structure to burn from the inside out, often before exterior materials ever fail.
All modern building materials—when properly installed—are fire-rated. Class A asphalt shingles perform well. Engineered siding products can too. The issue isn’t just the materials, it is the system and the details.
Homes should have:
• Metal flashing at transitions and edges
• Ember-resistant (fire-rated) vent screens
• Enclosed eaves and sealed gaps
• Clean, noncombustible zones around the foundation
Our inspections consistently show that these critical details are often missing.
Wildfire resilience isn’t about one fireproof material, it’s about eliminating ignition points and managing how embers interact with your home.
That’s where the real difference is made.
