Fire Rated Vents
Traditional vents, generally made of plastic or metal, are highly susceptible to heat and can become an entry point for embers, increasing the risk of wildfire damage. However, you can install fire resistant vents to stop these ember intrusions. Fire-resistant vents are equipped with features such as ember-resistant mesh screens that act as barriers against airborne embers. This prevents the entry of embers into the building, reducing the likelihood of internal ignitions. By securing these vulnerable points, fire resistant vents contribute significantly to the overall fire resilience of a structure.
Our Services
1
Threat of Embers
Wildfires in California pose a significant threat to both rural and urban communities. High temperatures, dry vegetation, and gusty winds create the perfect conditions for spreading fires. Embers carried by the wind can travel miles of distances, landing on roofs, in gutters, and even entering homes through vents.
2
IBHS
Studies, like those conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), show that fire-rated vents, especially those in soffited-eave construction, are significantly better at preventing ember entry and protecting homes from wildfires compared to traditional vents, especially gable end vents.
3
WUI Compliant
Wildland Urban Interface refers to zones where houses and areas prone to wildfires meet. Local building codes in WUI zones mandate fire-resistant materials for construction projects, including vents. WUI-Compliant materials resist flame spread and catching fire due to flying embers.
About Brandguard Vents
Brandguard Vents are fire-rated ventilation products designed to protect homes in wildfire-prone areas by blocking embers and flames. They are known for being easy to install, retrofit, and paint, and are available in various sizes and materials like galvanized steel, copper, or stainless steel. They are also compliant with California building codes and regulations, including those for the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
Key Features and Benefits:
-
Ember and Fire Resistance:
Brandguard Vents utilize a patented design with overlapping baffles to effectively trap embers and block flames and radiant heat from entering the attic or other enclosed spaces.
-
Compliance:
They are CAL Fire listed and approved, meeting the requirements of the California Building Code for WUI areas.
-
Durability and Warranty:
Made with long-lasting materials like 26ga G90 Galv Steel, they come with a 20-year limited warranty, according to BrandGuard Vents.
-
Weather Resistance:
They are designed to withstand high-speed driving rain and are tested for hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall, according to BrandGuard Vents.
-
Rodent Protection:
The vents are designed to prevent rodents from entering the attic space.
-
Ease of Installation:
They can be easily installed in new construction or retrofitted into existing homes.
-
Aesthetically Pleasing:
They can be painted to match or complement the exterior of the home.
-
Various Types:
Brandguard offers a range of vents including soffit, undereave, gable, foundation, and balcony vents.
-
Customization:
They offer standard and custom sizes and can be made from different materials upon request.
FireZone Exteriors is a leading provider of comprehensive exterior fire defense products and applications designed to safeguard homes and structures from the devastating effects of wildfires. Implementing comprehensive exterior fire protection measures is a critical component of safeguarding residential structures against wildfire and structural ignition. This involves the strategic selection and application of materials designed to resist ignition and slow fire spread, such as Class A rated roofing materials, non-combustible siding options (like fiber cement or stucco), and fire-resistant decking. Employing intumescent coatings or fire-retardant treatments on vulnerable surfaces can further enhance protection by creating a barrier that expands upon exposure to heat, significantly minimizing the risk of ember intrusion and preventing the rapid vertical spread of flames. Consequently, integrating these specialized products into exterior construction and maintenance provides an essential layer of defense, significantly enhancing the structure's resilience against fire threats.
We source and use wildfire protection information from the following agencies
