Wildfire Home Hardening Checklist

Start with the first five feet

• Remove bark mulch against the foundation; replace with gravel, stone or bare soil
• Remove or relocate shrubs, vines and plantings touching walls
• Clear leaf and needle litter from corners, under decks and along the foundation
• Move firewood, lumber, propane tanks and trash bins away from the structure
• Clear combustible items stored under decks and stairs
• Replace combustible doormats and furniture near entries where practical

Roof and roof edge

• Clear needles and leaves from the roof, valleys and gutters
• Look for gaps at tile ends, ridges and eave lines
• Check flashing, skylights and penetrations for open seams
• Note the roof covering type and its remaining service life
• Consider gutter covers if you are under pines, oaks or eucalyptus

Vents and openings

• Inventory every vent: gable, soffit, eave, dormer, foundation, crawlspace
• Check mesh size and condition; look for tears, gaps and missing screens
• Look for gaps around vent frames and wall penetrations
• Check dryer, plumbing and appliance vents

Walls, eaves and windows

• Look for open eaves and exposed rafter tails
• Check siding condition and clearance to soil or hardscape
• Identify single-pane windows facing slopes or heavy vegetation
• Check screens, frames and weatherstripping at doors

Decks, fences and attachments

• Sweep debris from between deck boards and beneath the deck
• Note deck surface material and condition
• Trace every fence that connects to the house
• Check pergolas, trellises, arbors and shade structures

The wider property

• Space and limb trees; remove dead material
• Mow and abate grass on schedule
• Address vegetation on slopes below decks and windows
• Give the same attention to sheds, barns, shops and detached garages
• Keep driveway and access routes clear

Turning the checklist into a plan

A checklist tells you what to look at; an assessment tells you what to do first on your specific property. If several items apply, a professional walkthrough is usually the most efficient next step.