Why Embers Are the Hidden Threat

In wildfire zones, the most destructive force isn’t always the towering flames — it’s the embers. These glowing particles can travel up to 5 miles on high winds, landing on rooftops, decks, or vents and sparking new fires long after the main blaze has passed.

According to fire protection experts, 90% of home ignitions during wildfires begin from embers finding a vulnerable entry point. Identifying and protecting those points is one of the most important steps in home hardening — and it starts with understanding where embers tend to go.

What Are Ember Entry Points?

Ember entry points are small openings where wind-blown embers can infiltrate your home’s structure or collect in combustible materials. During wildfire events, these gaps become ignition targets.

Common ember entry points include:

• Open eaves, soffits, and roof vents
  
• Gaps under decks and porches
  
• Foundation and crawl space vents
  
• Roof-to-wall intersections
  
• Utility penetrations (pipes, wires, cables)
  
• Gable and ridge vents

Even a 1/8-inch gap is enough for an ember to lodge, smolder, and ignite nearby materials - making the WDM 98 the ideal mesh for blocking embers.

Step-by-Step: How to Identify Ember Entry Points Around Your Property

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1. Start with the Foundation and Deck

Inspect under-deck spaces, crawl space vents, and foundation openings. These are among the most common entry points. Look for warped boards, gaps, or unsealed joints.

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2. Check Exterior Walls and Eaves

Walk the perimeter of your home and look closely at roof-to-wall intersections, open eaves, and vented areas. Embers often accumulate in corners or ledges.

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3. Inspect the Roofline and Gutters

Embers tend to settle on roofs, especially in valleys, ridges, and gutters filled with leaves or pine needles.

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4. Don’t Forget the Immediate Zone

Within five feet of your home — called the “immediate zone” — any combustible material can ignite your structure.

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Wildfire Defense Mesh offers effective protection for many of these vulnerable areas, helping to block ember intrusion and strengthen your home’s wildfire resilience.

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How Wildfire Defense Mesh Blocks Ember Intrusion

Wildfire Defense Mesh (WDM) is engineered to stop embers before they can enter. WDM 98 Mesh is specially-engineered to block up to 98% of wind-blown embers and reduce radiant heat exposure by nearly 38%.

Installed around decks, vents, and under eaves, Wildfire Defense Mesh acts as both a physical and thermal barrier, turning high-risk ember entry points into fire-resistant zones.

Key Benefits:

‍✅ Certified to meet California Building Code Chapter 7A requirements
✅ Proven performance in real wildfire conditions
✅ Durable, corrosion-resistant construction for long-term protection

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The Path to Home Hardening Starts Here

Protecting your home from wildfire isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation. Identifying ember entry points and reinforcing them with Wildfire Defense Mesh can dramatically reduce your risk of ignition.

Quick Tips for Home Hardening:

• Seal all vents, decks, and crawl spaces with ember-resistant mesh
  
• Maintain clean gutters and rooflines, and safeguard them with Wildfire Defense Mesh to block embers
  
• Maintain defensible space — clear vegetation within 5 feet of structures
  
• Upgrade to ignition-resistant materials whenever possible
  

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Protect Your Home Before the Next Wildfire Season

Every ember you block is a disaster prevented. Wildfire Defense Mesh helps homeowners safeguard what matters most — with tested, field-proven protection.

Explore our full range of Wildfire Defense Mesh products, installation guides, and community resources to start your wildfire defense plan today.

Explore Wildfire Defense Mesh →

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