Research by fire scientists and the experience of communities like Mountain Shadows and Black Forest point to the same lesson: houses rarely burn because a wall of flame touches them. They burn because embers find a weak spot such as a vent opening, a pile of needles against a deck post, a gap under roofing or a wood fence attached to the siding. Rebuilding is a chance to close those weak spots for a modest share of the overall project.
Not every change requires a full rebuild. Vents, gutters, the first few feet of ground around the house and the deck surface can be upgraded during an ordinary repair. Bigger changes such as roofing and siding make the most sense when those components have to be replaced anyway.
Common choice versus a more ember-resistant one
Often found on older homes
- Wood shake roof or lower-rated roofing
- Vents with large openings or plastic screens
- Wood deck boards with gaps that catch debris
- Wood fence attached directly to siding
- Bark mulch and shrubs against the foundation
- Single-pane windows
Worth considering in a rebuild
- Class A rated roofing assembly
- Ember-resistant vents or fine metal mesh
- Noncombustible or fire-rated decking, with the underside enclosed or kept clear
- Metal or masonry section where the fence meets the house
- Gravel, pavers or bare soil in the first several feet
- Dual-pane windows with tempered glass on at least one pane
Where each upgrade fits in the rebuild
| Component | When to decide | Things to ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Before ordering materials | Fire rating of the whole assembly, HOA approval, hail resistance |
| Attic and crawlspace vents | During framing and roofing | Ember-resistant designs that still allow enough airflow |
| Gutters | With the roof | Metal gutters and guards to keep needles out |
| Siding | Before the exterior is closed in | Fiber cement, stucco or other noncombustible options; trim at grade |
| Deck | Once the house is enclosed | Decking rating, clearance underneath, how it connects to the wall |
| Landscaping | After construction | Low-growing, well-spaced plants and a noncombustible zone at the walls |
Before you lock in materials
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.