Wildfires pose a serious and growing threat to homeowners across the U.S. In Hippo’s annual Housepower Report, 35% of homeowners reported increased wildfire risk to their properties. At the same time, house fires continue to be a major threat, causing $11.4 billion in property damage in 2023.

As fire risks grow, there are important steps home builders and homeowners can take for safer, more resilient properties. While no home is completely fireproof, the following innovations can lead to more fire-resistant homes that are better equipped to stand the test of time. 

Fire Resistant Materials

Fire-resistant materials are non-combustible, heat-resistant, and won’t ignite easily. From roofing and siding to insulation and windows, incorporating fire-resistant materials can help slow the spread of flames and reduce home damage.

Roofing

• Metal roofing is one of the most fire-resistant options available. It’s non-combustible, highly durable, and can withstand extreme temperatures without warping or melting. That said, metal roofs can be more expensive upfront and may be noisier during heavy rain or hail.
• Clay and concrete tiles offer excellent fire resistance and longevity while adding aesthetic appeal. Their heavyweight construction makes them less likely to be dislodged in high winds. However, they can also be costly, require a reinforced roof structure to support their weight, and may crack under impact.
• Class A asphalt shingles, particularly those with fiberglass backing, provide a cost-effective alternative, are recyclable, and still offer fire protection. While a promising solution, they could be less durable than other options and are more prone to wind and impact damage over time.

Proper installation is just as crucial as the material itself. Using fire-resistant underlayment and ensuring tight seams can help prevent embers from slipping beneath the roofing surface and igniting the home.

Exterior Walls  

• Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are gaining popularity due to their fire resistance, energy efficiency, and structural strength. These blocks, made from cement and recycled materials, can withstand intense heat without compromising the integrity of the home.
• Fiber cement siding offers a balance between fire resistance and affordability. It mimics the look of wood while being non-combustible and highly durable as it’s composed of cement and cellulose fibers. Nichiha’s Fiber Cement Board Cladding, for example, is specifically designed to offer protection against wildfires, making it a potential fit for homeowners in fire-prone areas.
• Fire-retardant-treated wood provides a natural wood aesthetic without increasing fire risk. However, fire-retardant chemicals have a limited lifespan and may need to be reapplied.
• Brick and stucco are traditional yet highly effective fire-resistant materials. Brick, in particular, has a strong fire rating and does not burn, though it requires proper reinforcement to prevent cracks that could allow fire penetration.
• Fire-resistant drywall is made with gypsum, which is about 21% chemically combined water. When exposed to fire, this water is released as steam, slowing heat transmission and preventing the spread of flames.

Windows and Doors

• Tempered glass windows are far more heat-resistant than standard glass and take longer to break under fire exposure.
• Double-paned windows add an extra layer of protection, with the outer pane acting as a barrier against extreme temperatures.
• Solid-core doors, especially those made of metal or fire-rated wood, offer better fire resistance than their hollow-core counterparts.
• Metal window shutters can help protect window frames, but they’re only effective if residents have advance warning to activate the shutters before a fire occurs.

Landscaping

• Fire-resistant landscaping includes clearing dead vegetation, spacing trees appropriately, and incorporating non-combustible ground coverings like gravel or stone instead of mulch.
• Constructing firebreaks or cleared areas free of vegetation can help prevent wildfires from spreading and provide safe zones for residents and first responders.
• Well-maintained community access roads in fire-prone areas allow emergency responders to reach homes quickly and evacuate residents safely.
• Fire-resistant decking materials, such as those made from PVC or concrete, offer greater fire resistance than traditional materials. Some brands, like Nova USA Wood, even manufacture wood decking that meets or exceeds Class A fire ratings.
• Concrete patios provide a fireproof alternative to wood decks, eliminating a potential ignition source near the home.

 Designing For Fire Resistance

 While material choices play a crucial role in fire resistance, strategic design elements can help slow the spread of flames and provide critical time for occupants to respond.

Fire- and Draft-Stopping Solutions  

Fire-resistant sealants, such as fire-rated caulk, mineral wool, or intumescent sealants around pipes, ducts, and electrical wiring, can help prevent fire from spreading through small openings. By installing draft-stopping barriers made from fire-resistant material, you can also help limit airflow between attics, floor cavities, and wall voids, reducing pathways for fire to travel.

Finally, consider investing in upgrading the house with fire-rated walls and floors that have properly sealed penetrations to maintain their ability to contain a fire’s point of origin. Your whole house doesn’t have to burn when one small part ignites.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler system installation in new construction typically costs around $1.35 per square foot, making it a relatively cost-effective fire safety investment. Multipurpose or stand-alone sprinkler systems can help homeowners choose between integrating with a home’s plumbing or using a dedicated water supply.

Individual sprinkler activation technology ensures that only the sprinkler closest to the fire discharges, which can help minimize water damage concerns. For optimal function, sprinkler systems require regular maintenance by homeowners: checking water pressure, clearing obstructions from sprinkler heads, and scheduling periodic inspections.

Fire and Smoke Compartmentation Solutions

Fire-rated walls, doors, and ceilings can help contain fire within a single room, preventing it from spreading to adjacent areas. Compartmentalizing high-risk areas such as kitchens, garages, and utility rooms with smoke and fire-resistant barriers can reduce overall fire risk.

Fire-resistant doors with self-closing mechanisms can help isolate fire-prone areas and limit the movement of flames and smoke. Using fire-resistant materials (like fire-rated caulk) to seal gaps created by pipes, ducts, or other structural elements prevents fire from spreading through small openings in walls, floors, and ceilings.

Sealed attic and crawl space barriers can prevent smoke from traveling through concealed spaces and spreading throughout the home.

Benefits and Challenges of Fire-Resistant Home Construction 

Incorporating fire-resistant features into home construction offers long-term advantages for builders and homeowners. However, implementing these features comes with challenges.

Addressing these factors early in the design and planning process can help builders streamline construction while ensuring homes remain safe, marketable, and future-proof.

A fire-safe home provides protection and peace of mind. Choosing fire-resistant materials and design features significantly reduce the risk of fire damage, helping protect lives and property, as well as potentially lowering insurance premiums. Many insurers recognize fire-resistant construction with lower rates or insurance discounts, making homes more attractive through long-term cost savings.

As demand for fire-resistant homes rises, properties built with fire-safety features can command higher prices and stand out in competitive housing markets. You’ll also benefit from reduced liability exposure and ensure compliance with evolving local and national fire safety regulations.

Challenges of Fire-Resistant Home Construction

The decisions you make must balance safety and budget. While fire-resistant materials and features can increase upfront costs and be harder to find, they often lead to long-term savings through lower insurance rates and reduced fire damage. The complexity of design and construction requires careful planning and collaboration with multiple trades.

How you adapt to local risks based on likelihood of fire and building codes vary by region, requiring builders to tailor designs accordingly. Resources like NFPA codes and standards and local building officials or fire departments can help builders meet regulatory requirements. Wildfires have become more frequent, intense, and unpredictable, putting countless homes at risk. Strategically upgrading and proactively maintaining your home can reduce the likelihood of fire damage, especially in fire-prone areas.

Creating a buffer zone around your home, called defensible space, is a key fire-prevention strategy. This area not only slows the advance of fire but also provides firefighters with a safer space to work. To design a defensible space, consider dividing your property into these zones:

• Zone 1 (0–5 feet from the home): Create an ember-resistant area closest to the home. Remove all flammable materials, regularly trim branches so they’re 10 feet away, replace combustible fencing with fire-resistant materials, choose non-combustible materials like gravel or stone, and relocate RVs or cars further away from the home.
• Zone 2 (5–30 feet from the home): Keep grass trimmed, prune tree branches to be at least 10 feet from each other, and space out plants to prevent fire from jumping easily between them. Also, make sure any liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks have 10 feet of clear space with no flammable vegetation or materials around them.
• Zone 3 (30–100 feet from the home): Remove dead trees and vegetation, thin our dense shrubs, and maintain a firebreak where possible.

For added fire protection, consider these tips:

Review fire insurance coverage: All standard homeowner insurance policies generally include fire and wildfire protection, but it’s important to ensure your coverage limits are sufficient. For instance, you should consider if your policy could adequately cover rebuilding expenses and confirm that the contents of your home are properly insured. This is especially true if you live in a fire-prone area.

Clear vegetation and debris: As we mention above, creating a defensible space is a great way to help protect your home from wildfire damage. Regularly remove dead leaves, branches, and any flammable materials that a fire could ignite and use to spread to your home.

Maintain and upgrade your roof for fire protection: Regularly inspect your roof for damage and make necessary repairs to prevent embers from entering your home during a wildfire. Consider fire-resistant materials like Class A roofing if you’re due for an upgrade. This offers the highest level of protection against extreme heat and embers. Some city ordinances require specific fire classifications, so be sure your roof meets local codes.

Install ember-resistant vents: Wind-driven embers are a leading cause of home ignitions during wildfires. Traditional attic and crawl space vents allow embers to enter and start fires inside a home. Ember-resistant vents, with fine mesh screens or intumescent materials, can help block embers while maintaining ventilation.

Consider fire-resistant siding and windows: Materials like fiber cement, stucco, and brick provide better fire protection than wood or vinyl siding. Tempered glass windows are also more heat- and impact-resistant than standard glass, helping prevent breakage from intense heat or flying debris.

Install exterior sprinkler systems: Automated rooftop or perimeter sprinklers can help keep your property damp and reduce flammability. However, since many wildfire-prone areas also face drought conditions, use these systems strategically and ensure they are connected to a dedicated water supply.

Ensure you have accessible water sources. Use long garden hoses that can reach all areas of your home and keep large containers of water on hand to quickly wet down dry vegetation, your roof, etc. Taking these proactive steps before evacuation could help slow the spread of flames.

As the climate continues to warm and wildfire spreads from the wilderness-urban interface to neighborhoods in cities, preparation is not just a good idea, it can help save your life and preserve the value of your home. Take time to understand the risks in your community, and begin your climate adaptation. It’s a hot and more dangerous new world.

About the Author

 Courtney Klosterman is a home insights expert at Hippo, the home insurance company focused on proactive protection