How do you retrofit eave details (soffits, blocking) on 1970s homes without full tear‑offs?
Here’s how to make your 70’s house safer from fire without a total remodel:
- Block vents: Use metal or firm barriers in your soffits to stop embers but still let air flow.
- Seal gaps: Fill openings with fireproof stuff or metal mesh.
- Insulate smart: Put firm or spray foam above the soffit, but don’t block airflow if your attic needs it.
- Upgrade outside: Swap old soffits with fiber cement or metal ones for better heat protection without ripping everything off.
- Targeted blocking: Add fire-blocking at rafter ends and between joists where embers can sneak in.
Basically, stop embers, seal holes, and upgrade what you can see. You don’t have to tear apart the whole roof to make things safer.