New Fire Hardening Low-Cost Project Disclosures Are On The Way!

Beginning July 1, 2025, disclosures will be required concerning any low-cost retrofits that have been made on the property. 

As you probably know, a California law as of "January 1, 2021, sellers will be required to complete a new home hardening disclosure for properties that are: 

 • Within high or very high fire hazard zones
• Built before 2010
• Residential one to four properties; condominiums or other common interest development units; or manufactured homes".

Cal Fire has developed these (considered) low-cost retrofits, so even in Long Beach it may not be thought that fire-hardening is an issue, just consider these, please, because fires can and have happened in neighborhoods in this area:

1. Class A fire-rated roof (when replaced).
2. Spaces between the roof covering and sheathing blocked with noncombustible materials (bird stops).
3. Installation of noncombustible gutter cover on gutters to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter.
4. Covered chimney and stovepipe outlets with a noncombustible corrosion-resistant metal mesh screen (spark arrestor), with 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch openings.
5. Installation of ember and flame-resistant vents.
6. Caulked and plugged gaps greater than 1/8-inch around exposed rafters and blocking to prevent ember intrusion into the attic or other enclosed spaces.
7. Inspection of exterior siding for dry rot, gaps, cracks, and warping. Caulk or plug gaps greater than 1/8-inch in siding and replace any damaged boards, including those with dry rot.
8. Installation of weather-stripping to gaps greater than 1/8-inch between garage doors and door frames to prevent ember intrusion. The weather-stripping must be compliant with UL Standard 10C.
9. Windows (when replaced) with multi-paned windows that have at least one pane of tempered glass. OSFM Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Products.
10. Siding or deck (when replaced) made of compliant noncombustible, ignition-resistant, or other OSFM Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Products
11. Covering openings to operable skylights with a noncombustible metal mesh screen with openings in the screen not to exceed 1/8 inch.
12. Installation of a minimum 6-inch metal flashing, applied vertically on the exterior of the wall at the deck-to-wall intersection to protect the combustible siding material.

When using a Realtor for your transaction, a form to be completed will  be provided for these disclosures which will only require checking a box that applies to the work done. This is a good time to review these smaller projects for your property. **No. 11, a screen for 1/8 inch mesh, is a very useful installation to keep fire sparks/embers from entering vent spaces.**

And please take a look at a new page on my site for several maps for exploring the local community's restaurants, walking trails, and other entertainment and culture. https://www.abodes.realestate/community-resources
 

Thanks, and contact me with any thoughts, questions or ideas! 

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996