Fire-Safe Materials Overview

Choosing the right materials is essential to rebuilding after a wildfire. From siding and decking to windows, doors, and soffits, every component of your building envelope plays a vital role in maximizing your home’s fire protection. In this guide, we’ll explore the fire-safe materials and upgrades we offer, along with additional considerations for you and your builder. By incorporating fire-resistant materials into your design, you can significantly strengthen your home’s defenses, ensuring greater safety, comfort, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Fire Rebuilding Services

Fire-Safe Materials Offered by DC Structures

Our base material packages include everything needed to quickly and efficiently assemble your structural frame. For clients in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas—developed neighborhoods near wildfire-prone lands—we provide a comprehensive selection of fire-resistant materials designed to meet WUI building code requirements. Below, you’ll find some of the top fire-safe materials we offer to enhance your home’s safety while maintaining its style and quality.

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Fire-Safe Materials

Framing & Structural Materials

A partially constructed building frame made of light-colored timber beams is set against a clear blue sky. The structure is supported by temporary braces, and construction materials are visible inside the framework. A red lift is also present.

Heavy Timbers

We frame our structures with high-grade Douglas fir timbers from the Pacific Northwest. Known for their density and strength, these timbers naturally resist fire and can often fulfill or replace WUI requirements for underfloor and appendage protection. With a post and beam or timber frame home, you can trust your frame to provide exceptional fire resistance and durability.

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Cross-Laminated Timbers (CLTs)

Cross-laminated timbers are multi-layered panels that rival steel and concrete in strength and fire resistance. These eco-friendly materials char on the surface during a fire, protecting their structural core. CLTs are an excellent choice for larger builds or homeowners seeking a robust framing solution, often qualifying for lower fire insurance rates while adding significant structural integrity and appeal.

A partially constructed building with green sheathing labeled ZIP System and Structural 1. The exterior is visibly under construction, with black tape sealing the seams. A portion of the wooden frame is exposed on the left side.

Fire-Resistant Sheathing

Fire-resistant sheathing adds an extra layer of protection to your structure. At DC Structures, we offer fire-rated CDX sheathing (veneered plywood) for vulnerable areas and the ZIP System for high-performance protection on walls, roofs, and siding. While the ZIP System is not fire-rated on its own, it can be paired with gypsum sheathing to enhance fire resistance for fire-rated assemblies. For other fire-rated options, we can source specialized materials tailored to your needs.

Fire-Safe Materials

Exterior Finishes

A rustic wooden barn with multiple gabled roofs and four cupolas, featuring large windows. The building is set against a clear blue sky.

Siding Options

The siding you choose plays a critical role in protecting your home from wildfires. For maximum fire resistance, we recommend noncombustible options like James Hardie fiber cement siding, which combines superior fire protection with low maintenance. For a more natural aesthetic, pressure-treated wood siding, such as Hewn ignition-resistant cedar siding, offers fire resistance and code compliance without sacrificing beauty.

Noncombustible Soffit Panels

Protecting your eaves is just as important as selecting fire-safe siding. James Hardie noncombustible soffit panels, available in vented and non-vented options, provide excellent protection while enhancing your home’s fire resilience. For a refined look, we also offer tongue-and-groove soffit upgrades with fire-rated CDX sheathing for added performance and style.

Fire-Safe Materials

Windows & Doors

Dual-Pane Tempered Glass Windows

Standard glass windows are highly vulnerable during wildfires, breaking under intense heat and allowing embers to enter your home. Dual-pane tempered glass windows, designed with two layers of glass separated by air space, offer excellent fire resistance and heat durability. Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass and, in emergencies, shatters into small, rounded pieces to reduce the risk of injury.

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Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors, such as those from Rogue Valley Door, meet advanced safety standards to protect both interior and exterior entries. Customizable glass patio doors from Andersen and Pella can be fitted with tempered glass for superior heat resistance without compromising aesthetics.

Fire-Safe Materials

Other Upgrades & Features

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Nonflammable Wood Finishes

Our pre-staining service includes a nonflammable formula designed for superior fire resistance and durability. This plant oil-based solution is eco-friendly, low in VOCs, and long-lasting, providing added protection and peace of mind for your investment.

Composite Decking

Composite decking, like Trex Enhance, offers a safer and more durable alternative to traditional wood. This resilient material is made from eco-friendly recycled products and delivers a stylish, low-maintenance solution for outdoor spaces, reducing wildfire risks effectively.

Fire-Safe Materials

Additional Fire-Safe Materials to Consider

Building a fire-resistant home requires more than just a durable structural frame—it’s about creating a comprehensive defense system. While our building kits include the essential materials for your structure, additional upgrades and preventative measures can further enhance your home’s performance. Below are some key recommendations to maximize fire safety during the rebuilding process.

Fire-Safe Materials

Chimneys & Flues

Spark Arrestors

Spark arrestors are essential for preventing embers from escaping chimneys, reducing the risk of igniting nearby vegetation or structures.

Nonflammable Chimney Materials

Stone, brick, or metal chimneys offer superior fire resistance, minimizing structural damage during wildfires.

Fire-Safe Materials

Patio Covers & Outdoor Features

Fire-Resistant Patio Covers

Aluminum or treated wood patio covers provide durable protection for outdoor areas near your home.

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Ember-Resistant Vents

These vents block embers from entering your home without compromising ventilation, a key feature for wildfire-prone homes.

Fire-Safe Materials

Roofing Materials & Maintenance

Roofing Materials

Opt for composite, metal, clay, or tile roofing for maximum fire resistance.

A cozy, modern cabin crafted from apartment barn kits features a wraparound porch illuminated at dusk. The structure, made of dark wood, is surrounded by a stone patio and bare trees under a clear evening sky.

Metal Gutters

Fire-resistant metal gutters reduce ignition risks from embers.

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Gutter Guards

Keep gutters clear of debris to prevent fire spread near the roofline.

Fire-Safe Materials

Landscaping Considerations

Fire-Safe Mulch & Hardscaping

Replace flammable mulch with gravel, stone, or noncombustible alternatives.

Defensible Space Materials

Use fire-resistant fencing and hardscaping to create safer zones near your home.

Fire-Safe Materials

Interior Fire-Safe Options

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Fire-Resistant Insulation

Treated cellulose or fiberglass insulation slows fire spread while providing thermal and acoustic benefits.

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Interior Sheathing

Type X gypsum board delivers superior fire protection for your home’s interior.

Automatic Fire Sprinklers

A proactive safety feature that adds invaluable protection for your family and property.

Fire-Safe Materials

Fire Rebuilding Services

These recommendations are just the beginning of what’s possible when rebuilding with fire safety in mind. By prioritizing fire-resistant materials and thoughtful design, you can create a home that’s not only safer but also more sustainable and resilient.

For more information on fire-safe materials and how we can help, contact our team today to discuss your options.