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Decks are one of the most common ignition points during wildfires. As embers travel on high winds, they often collect beneath or around decks — where dry leaves, wood framing, and trapped debris can ignite within minutes.
In fact, studies show that most homes lost in wildfires ignite from embers, not direct flames.
Wildfire Defense Mesh provides an effective and tested way to stop this. Our WDM 98 specially-engineered mesh is designed to block up to 98% of wind-blown embers while reducing radiant heat exposure by roughly 38%, providing both a physical and thermal barrier for your home’s most vulnerable areas.
Enclosing your deck with Wildfire Defense Mesh is one of the most important steps in home hardening — and it’s easier than you might think.
Materials & Tools
Pro Tip: Measure twice, cut once. Each installation is slightly different depending on your deck height, framing style, and the surrounding terrain.
Clear all debris, dry leaves, and combustible materials from beneath your deck. Even better, spread a non-combustible ground cover such as rocks beneath your deck. If vegetation has grown under or near the deck, trim it back to maintain a defensible space of at least five feet from the structure.
Goal: Create a clean, non-combustible zone before installation begins.
Use a tape measure to determine the full perimeter length and height of the deck enclosure.
Account for obstacles such as posts, stairs, and uneven ground. Mark where access points (like small doors or vented sections) may be needed for maintenance.
Tip: Sketch a simple diagram to plan your cuts and mesh panel sizes before installation.
Lay the mesh flat on a safe cutting surface. Use metal snips or aviation shears to cut panels to size, allowing for slight overlap between sections (1–2 inches) to ensure a continuous barrier.
The WDM 98 Mesh is flexible enough to contour around posts or irregular edges while maintaining its structure.
Safety Reminder: Wear gloves — stainless steel mesh edges can be sharp after cutting.
Position the mesh against the deck’s lower frame or skirt board.
Fasten it using self-tapping screws and washers spaced every 6–8 inches. For additional strength and heat resistance, use corrosion-resistant hardware.
Overlap adjoining mesh panels and fasten securely to prevent ember intrusion between seams.
Result: A tight, sealed perimeter that blocks embers while allowing proper airflow and drainage.
Walk the perimeter and inspect your installation. Pay close attention to corners, joints, and around posts.
If any gaps larger than 1/8 inch remain, cut small strips of mesh to cover and secure them. Even the smallest opening can allow embers to enter during extreme wind events. After securing the mesh, apply a high-temperature exterior sealant along the edges to ensure the gap is fully closed and weather-tight.
If you need occasional access under the deck for maintenance or storage, create a hinged panel or removable section using the same mesh and hardware. Ensure it seals tightly when closed.
Once the mesh is fully installed, gently press against each section to ensure it’s taut and secure. There should be no loose edges or visible openings. A properly enclosed deck will appear seamless, functional, and visually unobtrusive.
WDM 98 is built from durable stainless steel that is naturally corrosion-resistant, UV-stable, and non-combustible. Its strength provides long-term protection against weather exposure and rodent intrusion, and unlike other materials, it maintains its integrity even after a wildfire—eliminating the need for replacement once the threat has passed. The material also meets the standards outlined in California Building Code Chapter 7A, which governs construction in wildfire-prone areas.
Key Performance Metrics:
Homeowners and fire professionals across the United States and Australia have trusted Wildfire Defense Mesh to protect vulnerable structures from ember intrusion — from decks to vents, soffits, and fences.
Once installed, Wildfire Defense Mesh requires minimal maintenance:
With proper care, your mesh installation will provide years of ember protection without degrading or needing replacement.
Your deck is more than an outdoor space — it’s part of your home’s ignition perimeter. By enclosing it with Wildfire Defense Mesh, you’re creating a critical shield that can prevent embers from igniting your structure.
Home hardening works — and it starts beneath your feet.
Explore our Wildfire Defense Mesh installation guides →
