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A house fire is one of the most devastating catastrophes that can befall a family. In addition to the costly financial loss incurred, fire is also an immensely traumatic experience for everyone involved. In the very worst scenarios, fires can prove dangerous and even deadly. The best way to fight house fires is by avoiding them altogether. Building a fire-resistant home is all about using the safest materials in the best ways. Keep these tips in mind as you create a home that will avoid dangerous fires.

Use Insulated Concrete Forms For The Foundation

Concrete is a strong material proven to be resistant to the power of flames. The foundation is the base that the entire structure is built upon, so you’ll want it to be strong and sturdy. Insulated Concrete Forms are standard in larger commercial buildings’ foundations, and you’ll keep your family safer by using them in your home.

Use Fire-Resistant Materials For The Roof

When a house catches fire, the roof is often guilty of letting the flames jump from one room to another. Tiled roofs, for example, often have tiny gaps that allow flames to penetrate. You’re much better off using materials that can tightly interlock, thereby providing a sturdy barrier to fire. You should also build the roof on top of a stable, impermeable cap.

Design The Layout With Fire Resistance In Mind

When deciding where the house will stand on the property, don’t forget about the dangers of wildfires. Just by leaving a bit of space between the structure and any woodlands, you can decrease the chances of catastrophe in the case of a blaze.

Use Fire-Resistant Siding Materials

As you would imagine, it’s the exterior siding that provides the principal external protection for your home. If you choose a highly flammable material like unfinished wood shingles for your siding, you’re leaving your home unnecessarily vulnerable to disastrous house fires. Stucco and brick offer serious fire resistance, while vinyl is also acceptable if cracks are strenuously avoided.

Fire resistance has always been an essential aspect of any new construction, but it’s even more vital as wildfires become more common. Follow these steps to create a fire-resistant home.