Roofs and gutters: protecting the top of your home

Why the roof comes first

Your roof is the biggest surface on your home and the one most exposed to falling embers. A roof that can ignite, or that traps dry debris, gives a wildfire an easy way in.

Roof ratings

Roofing is fire rated Class A, B or C, with Class A offering the most protection. Asphalt composition shingles, clay and concrete tile, slate and metal roofing are commonly available with a Class A rating. Untreated wood shake is among the most vulnerable roofs you can have, and many high fire hazard areas no longer allow it.

Close the gaps

Even a Class A roof can let fire in through its edges and openings.

• Tile and barrel roofs: the open ends at the eaves and ridge let embers and nesting material in. Fill them with bird stops or other noncombustible closures.
• Roof edges: a metal drip edge covers the exposed wood at the edge of the roof deck.
• Where roof meets wall: debris collects at these joints and at dormers. Use metal flashing and keep these spots clean.
• Skylights: choose tempered glass rather than plastic domes, which can melt.

Gutters

A gutter full of dry leaves and needles is a fuse laid along your roofline. Embers land in it, the debris ignites, and the fire reaches the roof edge and the wood behind the fascia.

• Clean gutters before fire season and again after leaves drop.
• Use metal gutters. Vinyl gutters can melt and fall away.
• Add noncombustible metal gutter guards to keep debris out.
• Check the valleys and the area behind chimneys, where debris piles up on the roof itself.

Chimneys and trees

Keep tree branches well clear of the roof and chimney. California law requires branches to be at least 10 feet from a chimney or stovepipe outlet. Install a metal spark arrester on any chimney or stovepipe, and replace it if it's rusted through.

Roof and gutter checklist

1. Find out your roof's fire rating. Your roofer, home inspection report or local building department can tell you.
2. Clear debris from the roof surface, valleys and gutters.
3. Install metal gutter guards.
4. Close open ends on tile roofs with bird stops.
5. Trim branches back from the roof and at least 10 feet from the chimney.
6. Check the chimney spark arrester.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Building codes and defensible space rules vary by state, county and fire district. Your local fire department or a qualified contractor can tell you what applies to your home. No home is fireproof. Read our full disclaimer.