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Intumescent paint for structural steel and fireproof paints are available
for exterior and interior finishing that offer a new aesthetic to fire-safe
homes. Properly applied coatings can reduce flame spread to 25 or less
equating to a fire rating of class A.
Structural design shows that limiting eaves and other external exposed
lumber designs that extend out from the house to 18 inches or less
prevents creating a trap for flames.
“When we built the house the first time, in 1998,” Montecito
homeowner Kevin Hart says, “we did all we knew to do to be fire and drought resistant, including exposed
surfaces and landscaping. We are taking these steps again. In our research, we came to the conclusion that the
hybrid block was far superior. One major point: as a green product, I find a material made from
recycled materials more impressive than a product made from virgin polystyrene (petroleum
based plastic) which boasts of being ‘recyclable.’ In any case, I think you get the idea of our
thinking process in our current construction. As I said, we feel strongly about fire-safe green
construction.”
External home factors for fire safety include local fire department landscape recommendations,
building a 30,000-gallon water tank or reservoir or a swimming pool with a fire hose hook up.
Building a fire-safe room where homeowners can “wait it out” till the fire passes is highly
recommended for residents in remote locations.
Credits to Penn Estes, CEO of Green Building America - a Montecito based construction and design
company -, General Contractors Don Alexander and Shaun Cheney, and Structural Engineer Greg
van Sande for their help in researching this article. A “thank you” is also in order to Kevin and Kareen
Hart for the use of their home.
View of special Brandguard Vents by the attic; note the waterproof encasement
with bituthane material
(left) The 30,000-gallon water tank on the top of the property
(center) The reservoir on the property just above the fire hydrant with fire hose hook-up
(right) Hybrid Block is placed vertically just prior to being filled with cement; note the rebar in the center
The back wall of the Harts’ kitchen; pressure-treated
wood has been “firred” into the block for the cabinets
to be attached to