Wildfire Deck Hardening
Decks are horizontal, often combustible, frequently cantilevered over vegetation and commonly used for storage underneath. That combination makes them one of the most consistently flagged features on hillside properties.
Deck priorities
- Clearing combustible storage from under the deck
- Removing debris from between deck boards and beneath the structure
- Ember-resistant or noncombustible decking materials
- Enclosing or screening the underside where appropriate
- Addressing vegetation on the slope beneath the deck
- Detailing the connection between deck and exterior wall
Stairs, patio covers and attachments
Stairs, pergolas, trellises, shade structures and attached planters are part of the same problem: they are combustible items connected to the building. They are usually evaluated together with the deck.
Related guides
San Diego County service areas
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