Rockies: how do you detail soffits/vents to handle both wildfire risk and heavy snow/ice?
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To keep wildfire embers out while still letting air flow, go for ember-resistant vents that have fine stainless mesh or a smart baffled design. If you get a lot of snow, make sure your soffits are solid, or if vented, only on the sides the wind is blowing away from. Also, slope or flash those soffits, so ice doesn’t sneak back in.
Use ember-resistant, metal-mesh soffit vents with baffles to block sparks, and design for downward drainage and ice-shed clearance to prevent snow buildup and water intrusion in harsh Rocky Mountain conditions.
In the Rockies, use non combustible soffit materials with bird‑block venting to meet wildfire codes, paired with baffles or continuous vent channels that prevent snow and ice intrusion. Keep vents elevated or shielded, maintain at least a 1‑inch gap for airflow, and ensure ice dam protection by extending underlayment behind the fascia.
Wildfire Protection
-Mesh Screening: Install fine mesh screens with openings no larger than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) over vents and soffits to prevent embers from entering. Noncombustible materials like metal or cement are recommended.
-Seal Gaps: Seal any gaps or cracks around soffits and vents with fire-resistant sealants to prevent ember intrusion.