Fire Rebuilds
For over ten years, we have been working with clients to build sustainable, dream homes. No matter where in the state your property is located, our experienced staff can help you to navigate the home design and build process while guiding you through working with your local jurisdiction. Many of our new homes are rebuilt in California’s fire hazard areas. Our prefabricated system is becoming increasingly popular as the best solution for those who are looking to rebuild quickly. Many people feel they must choose between a fast rebuild, and a safe “fire defense” rebuild. With Stillwater, our clients don’t have to choose. We offer fast-track solutions that include fire defense planning specific to each site.
Fast-Track Solutions
Click image to learn about our pre-engineered Fast-Track Solutions designed to shave time off your rebuild and get back into a new home faster.
Fire Defense Planning
As we assist in fire rebuilds, our team utilizes a few basic planning and architectural strategies that greatly improve the chances that Stillwater homes can survive future wildfires.
Site Planning
Before floor plan design comes into play, the initial strategy is to design a buffer or defensible space of incombustible material around the home location. This buffer zone can be comprised of patios, driveways or low-growing fire-retardant plants. Special attention is paid to the potential for extremely dangerous up-slope running fire areas. Site layout includes the planning of driveways and turnarounds that are wide enough to make it easy for firefighters.
Roofing
Stillwater’s standing seam metal roofing can be one of the front lines of prevention when it comes to wildfire defense. Our metal, flat roofing provides a “Class A” fire rating offering the highest resistance to fire. Special attention is also paid to the substrate (the material on which the roof sits).
Siding
Ember resistant exterior siding materials like cement board and stucco can be both preventative and be incorporated into various Stillwater styles.
Overhangs
Special attention is devoted to the design and materials on the underside of overhangs – also referred to as soffits. This applies to the under side of cantilevers, balconies, decks, and underfloor areas as well. These areas are where the flames will be trapped and temperatures will be the highest. It is necessary to provide fire resistant materials, protection enclosures and structural integrity to these locations.
Windows & Doors
Windows are the weakest link in defending your building envelope, but there are several methods to strengthen these areas. Double glazed, insulated and tempered glass each add extra layers of defense. The most secure options are concealed roll-down or side recessed metal fire doors with automatically fusible link closure. Glass panels can also be wire glass or fire safety glass that can stay intact even though cracked by the heat.
Outdoor Living
Concrete and paving stone patios not only add an element of modern beauty, they are also helpful in fire defense. Another material to consider is Ipe wood (also called Brazilian walnut) which is a very dense wood and is naturally resistant to fire. Railings, patios, covers and pergolas can also be made of Ipe wood or metal. Detailed construction ensuring a tight fit to block the wildfire accompanying strong winds from blowing embers is critical.
Emergency Power
Electrical power can be out for weeks or months during a fire. California power companies are now proactively turning off parts of the grid during high fire alert days or during strong winds to prevent knocked-down power lines from causing a fire. Considering both solar and emergency generator solutions can help keep you up and running when power lines are down or after your has home weathered the fires.
Solar Energy Management Solutions
At Stillwater Dwellings, we work with you and our solar partners to design a solar solution from the very beginning stages of your project. Our goal is to provide you with all information about this element of your new home including timing and cost. We will help you find the ideal solutions that fits your needs while maintaining the aesthetics of your new home’s design.
