Owner, General Contractor · Updated November 06, 2026
A lot of the most effective wildfire hardening is work you can do yourself on a weekend. Some of it needs a licensed contractor, a permit, or both. Start with the free and cheap work around the house, then hire out the jobs that change the building.
Do it yourself
These cost little and make a real difference:
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Clear leaves and needles from gutters, roof valleys and under decks | These flashy fuels are where embers start fires |
| Clear the first five feet around the house: no bark mulch, plants, firewood or furniture against walls | IBHS found that when fuel covered more than 25 percent of this zone, the risk of damage rose to nearly 90 percent (IBHS) |
| Add 1/8-inch metal mesh behind gable and foundation vents | Stops most embers at the most common entry point (UC ANR) |
| Swap wood gates and fence sections touching the house for metal | Stops a burning fence from carrying fire to the wall |
| Move doormats, cushions and trash bins inside on red flag days | IBHS found these acted as connective fuel in the 2025 LA fires |
| Mow dry grass and haul away trimmings | Removes fuel that carries fire toward the house |
Our five-foot zone guide walks through the details.
Hire a professional
These change the building, need permits, or need to be engineered:
| Task | Why it's a pro job |
|---|---|
| Replacing eave, soffit and roof vents with listed ember-resistant vents | Roof work, and products must meet Chapter 7A |
| Window film, dual-pane or tempered glass | Film must be installed to spec to hold the pane together. See window laminates |
| Noncombustible siding, a Class A roof, enclosed eaves | Permits and Chapter 7A materials |
| Exterior sprinkler systems | Plumbing, pumps, tanks, electrical and controls. See wildfire sprinklers |
| Intumescent coatings | Surface prep and film thickness decide whether it works. See fire-retardant coatings |
| Insurance documentation | Brokers want proof of what was done and to what standard |
The license rule in California
Since January 1, 2025, a California job costing $1,000 or more in labor and materials requires a licensed contractor; the limit used to be $500 (CSLB). Most hardening projects beyond the weekend list cross that line. Check any contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov before you sign. Ours is CSLB #1029958.
A sensible order
- Do the free work this weekend: gutters, the five-foot zone, furniture and firewood.
- Add mesh behind any vents with old 1/4-inch screens.
- Get a professional assessment of the building itself.
- Fix the biggest gaps first, usually vents, windows and anything combustible touching the house.
Get the pro list for your house. A retired firefighter will walk your property for free and tell you what's DIY and what isn't. Book a free assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install ember-resistant vents myself?
Adding mesh behind gable or foundation vents is a common DIY job. Replacing eave and roof vents usually means roof work and Chapter 7A products, so most homeowners hire it out.
Do I need a permit for wildfire hardening?
Many projects, such as reroofing, new siding, window replacement and sprinkler systems, need permits. Clearing vegetation and adding mesh behind vents generally don't. Check with your city or county.
What's the cheapest way to make my home safer?
Clear the five feet around your house and keep gutters and roofs clean. It costs little and addresses where embers most often start fires.
By Craig Weeks
