How to Build a Fire-Resistant Home

For anyone who’s ever survived a house fire, or anyone who has seen the damage one can do, a fireproof home probably seems like a dream come true. Advances in building materials have made fireproof homes more affordable than ever before, giving more homeowners the ability to rest easy knowing that their home is as safe as humanly possible.

Fire Risks in the Pacific Northwest

Oregon and the Pacific Northwest is not a high-risk area for forest fires due to our damp climate. However, with so many trees, the area is still at risk for fires that can spread rapidly and damage many of the homes in the area. Of course, forest fires are not the only reasons homes burn down. Each year, there are around 370,000 house fires in the United States, the majority of which are caused by faulty wiring and other accidents that were not caused by anyone in the home.

Fireproof Building Materials

Insulated Concrete: Insulated concrete forms are one of the latest developments in fireproof housing. These are blocks made of polystyrene that fit together to form the walls and foundation of a house. The blocks are filled with concrete, one of the most fire-resistant building materials on the market. Insulated concrete combines the fireproofing properties of concrete with the weather-resistant properties of other building materials. These blocks are also more attractive and easier to customize than plain concrete.

Roofing and Siding: Insulated concrete blocks work best when combined with other fireproof building materials such as roofing and siding. Both of these can also be made out of cement, which has been pressed and shaped to have the appearance of genuine wood of vinyl. Other types of building materials that are known for being resistant to heat and fire include metal, stucco, and brick. Fire resistant roof tiles can be made out of ceramics that have been fired for an extended period of time.

Availability of Fireproof Materials

Insulated concrete has been available for decades, but until recently it was primarily used for commercial rather than residential building projects. However, in recent years it has become increasingly available to home builders and architects. Fireproof building materials cost almost twice as much as standard materials, but the money homeowners can save in the event of a catastrophic fire more than makes up the difference.

Whether you are building a new home, adding on a wing to your existing property, or simply making some improvements, consider using fireproof materials to keep you and your family safe and protect your investment in your home.