Windows & Doors

Windows and doors are weak spots that require special attention.

Best Practise

Install insulated glass units at least double-paned, with at least the outer panel made from tempered glass windows

Install specialty fire-rated glass windows

Opt for window frames made of thermally broken metal or fiber cement board. Avoid wood or vinyl frames

Install non-combustible protective shutters or screens if replacing windows is too costly

Seal door gaps by with rubber or metal weatherstripping

Opt for solid core, metal or fiberglass doors with good seals

Keep vegetation/ flammable items at least 5 feet away from windows/doors

Remove debris and combustibles at the base of doors

Recommended materials

  • Double- or triple-pane insulated glass, ideally with tempered glass on the outside.

    • Most building codes already require dual-paned windows.

    • Withstand heat and reduce the chance of breakage from flying embers

    • Tempered glass is 3-4 times more resistant to heat exposures than normal glass

    • Added benefits of greater energy conservation and insulation

    • For maximum fire resistance, there is specialty fire-rated glass, but this is often very expensive

  • Metal or fibre cement (avoid wood and vinyl)

Property Checklist

Gutters and eaves are cleared from leaves, pine needles and other flammable materials

Are eaves enclosed with a soffit made of fire-resistant material?

Do vents have ember-proof metal mesh?

Are gutters and eaves cleaned regularly?

Are gutter guards installed and made of non-combustible metal?

Do downspouts move water and debris away from the house?

The problem

Windows are one of the weakest points in a house during a wildfire. Direct flames or radiant heat can shatter glass, letting flames and embers inside. Doors (especially wooden ones) can ignite if exposed to direct flames or embers at the bottom gap. Embers can slip through small gaps around frames, weatherstripping, or under doors.

Do it yourself or contactor

DIY

Cost

  • Metal mesh or non-combustible shutters

    • Good alternative if replacing windows can be costly

    • Fine- meshed metal screen (over the opening of a window increases resistance to the entry of embers into the interior of the home if the window is left open.

    • Screens reduce vulnerability of the glass to radiant heat exposure.

Difficulty

Contractor

  • Fire-resistant rubber or metal strips

  • Solid metal, fiberglass, or solid-core wooden doors (not hollow)