If your home sits in a wildfire-prone area, your deck might be one of its biggest vulnerabilities. Wooden decks act like kindling when embers fly, and those embers can travel more than a mile ahead of a fire front. That is why it is important to pay close attention to Zone 0—the critical five-foot perimeter immediately surrounding your home.
Tearing out an entire deck is not always an option for everyone. Retrofitting offers a more affordable path to upgrading an older deck versus starting from scratch. For many homeowners, that means swapping out flammable components, sealing off vulnerable areas, and removing fuel sources. The result is a deck that is safer without the full cost of replacement.
Our Home Hardening Pros team will replace wood boards with non-combustible or fire-resistant deck material. We recommend using TimberTech® Advanced PVC Decking, Trex, IPE, or Moso Bamboo Decking for wildfire safety and to be compliant with Zone 0 regulations.
The area under your deck traps dry leaves, pine needles, and debris, which is the perfect fuel for burning embers. It is important to enclose the underside with fire-resistant deck skirting and fine metal mesh (1/8-inch openings) or keep the space completely clear and clean.
It is important to remove any flammable material, such as firewood stacks, propane tanks, doormats, wooden furniture, or potted plants made of combustible materials that are under or within five feet of your home.
Wooden railings and stairs carry flames directly to your home. Homeowners should upgrade railings and stairs to metal or non-combustible decking materials. It is important to pay attention to where the deck meets the house and any vulnerable spots.
