Brent Berkompas, founder of Brandguard Vents, knows first hand the descructive power of massive wildfire. As a firefighter responding to the 2003 and 2007 Southern California wildfires, Berkompas noticed that fire embers were a significant cause of fire damage, attacking the structures at their most vulnerable points: the vents.
Research shows that, although homes are destroyed by the passing fire front, the majority of structural damage is caused by fire embers well before or after the front of the fire. Once the embers enter through the vent’s vulnerable openings, the structure basically burns from the inside out. Conventional vent designs offer little to no defense against an approaching wildfire.
California’s State Fire Marshal and Blue Ribbon Committee agree and are addressing this with new California Fire Building Standards and Fire Hazard Severity Zone Mapping effective January 1, 2008. They require all exterior vents to be designed to resist fire ember intrusion.
Brandguard Vents has developed a series of newly designed vent products that prevent fire embers from entering the house.
The baffle material acts as a heat sink, virtually eliminating the threat of fire embers entering through a structure’s vent openings. The baffle design changes the flow of air several times, creating an effective heat trap, preventing damage from radiant and direct heat sources. The design has comparable net-free vent area and allows for sufficient exchange of moist air, thus preventing mold issues.
Brandguard Vents make Dormer, Round, Access, Soffit and Gable End Vents that are applicable for most roof types.
Brandguard Vents are made to code with 26 gauge galvanized steel,G90. Custom Sizes are available upon request.
For more information visit www.brandguardvents.com
