Spark and Ember Proofing

Spark Proof the House and Buildings

To protect your house it is vital that you prevent sparks and burning material from entering through windows, under doors and/or under floor boards. This can be achieved by:

Fitting metal fly wire mesh or solid screens to spark proof the windows, doors, ventilators and skylights.
Close in all openings in eaves and under-floor areas.
Sealing all gaps in the roof area along the ridge cap gutter line and fascia board.
Extending wall cladding on buildings and sheds to the ground.
Sealing the flute spaces at the fascia board with fibreglass insulation or scribed flat metal with corrugated iron roofs.
Tiled roofs require an appropriate fire rated insulation (sarking) immediately below the tiles.

Roofing

Most homes ignite when sparks or burning embers blow under tiles and start burning roofing timbers or accumulated litter. Metal roofing offers more protection provided it is firmly secured and sealed around vents, skylights, fascias and roof caps.

Underfloor

Underfloor areas that are not enclosed allow sparks and embers to penetrate. If these areas are used to store timber, firewood, or other flammable materials, the risk is compounded. Make sure that underfloor areas are kept clear of flammable material during summer.

Windows and Vents

Crevices where embers can collect are potential ignition points. Cracks under doors, on window ledges, windows, or along verandas are particularly vulnerable. Vents into the house structure are also common entry points for sparks. They should be covered in fine wire mesh to prevent embers from getting into walls, roof cavity areas or through windows.

For further information:

We have a number of "Fact Sheets", pamphlets and booklets in our Publications section of this website which you can view or print to assist in your planning and prevention in the event of bushfires.

There are also a number of other interesting websites you can vist. Bushfireinfo.com is a website that is run by concerned community members as a non-profit information website regarding Australian Bushfires. The "Home Protection" Tour has information preferred types of house building materials within bushfire prone areas etc.

If you require further information or assistance please email us or if you live within South Australia telephone the Bushfire Information hotline on 1300 362 361