The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have destroyed over 15,000 homes, prompting discussions on how to rebuild sustainably. Key considerations include building materials, zoning laws, and insurance. Experts argue that speed in rebuilding must be balanced with resilience to mitigate future wildfire risks. Recommendations include using non-combustible materials for roofs and walls, ensuring defensible spaces that prevent embers from igniting flammable materials close to homes. Proper construction and landscaping choices can significantly enhance a home’s ability to withstand wildfires.
Building a home with resilience in mind starts with making the roof with non-combustible materials like concrete, clay and metal. Walls need to be made of things like concrete, brick and stucco.
The bottom six inches of the walls are particularly vulnerable because embers tend to collect there. IBHS recommends a finer mesh for anything that provides ventilation to keep embers from getting into the house.
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