The OFSC March community meeting featured a presentation by Sheryl Drinkwater, Licensed Architect and Home Hardening Expert, on fences, gates and the impacts they have on home hardening.
Here’s her quick rundown of best practices:
- Retrofit your fence or gate for at least the first 5 feet from the house.
- Use a noncombustible material like metal or concrete.
- If you are ready to build a new fence, use a non-combustible material.
- Maintain weeds and dead material near your fence.
- Regularly clean and repair your fence for best performance and longevity.
To learn more about best practices, get ideas for fire-smart fence and gate design, and see an extensive gallery of examples selected by Sheryl, watch the recording and see the PDF of her slides.
Swapping Your Fence Could Save You Money
Do you have insurance through the California Fair Plan? Replacing wooden fencing with non-combustible gates and fencing in the first five feet of your home can qualify you for a discount on your insurance.
The FAIR plan offers 12 wildfire hardening discounts. Actions you may already be taking, like cleaning out debris and vegetation from under decks or living in a Firewise USA community, could help reduce your risk of wildfire and lower your insurance costs.
Check with your insurance broker to learn which discounts apply to your policy. See the full list of discounts.