Home Hardening: Fire Resistant Siding

Many Colorado Front Range homes exterior cladding or siding is constructed of flammable material such as wood or vinyl. Whether your style is lap, board and batten or engineered wood paneling, one of the largest surface areas of your home is exposed to ignition risk.

We work with homeowners to assess their home's current state of resistance in wildfire conditions and provide structural hardening recommendations.

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Understanding Home Siding & Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code

The state of Colorado is facing unprecedented wildfire conditions with estimates that as of 2026, 95% of the state is experiencing drought conditions. In response to this increasing wildfire risk, the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board was established in 2023 with the goal of guiding the ongoing education, adoption, and implementation of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code.

To better understand the development and timeline of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, here are some important milestone dates and details:

July 1, 2025: Code was adopted by the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board
April 1, 2026: Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) was adopted by jurisdictions across the state
July 1, 2026: Jurisdictions across Colorado implement the CWRC

Your home's siding is a point of vulnerability for ignition by wildfire as flames travel across the ground and can easily ignite the base of your siding, allowing flames to travel vertically and encroach into your home's interior walls. Choosing the right non-combustible or fire resistant siding material is an important measure towards structural hardening of your home if it is located within or near the wildland urban interface (WUI).

According to the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (section 404.3.1), the exterior wall coverings should be constructed of the following:

Noncombustible materials.
Fire-retardant-treated wood.
Ignition-resistant building materials.

An important consideration for home remodels and improvements, according to the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC)

The exterior walls of building or structures in existence prior to adoption of this code where 25 percent or more of the total exterior wall surface area is replaced, or where work to reconstruct, alter or repair the exterior walls effectively replaces the exterior wall material, shall require the entirety of the exterior wall surface area, including attachments, to be replaced with materials required for new construction specified in Section 404.3

The Best Exterior Home Siding Materials for Colorado's Wildland Urban Interface

When it comes to structural hardening or home hardening in wildfire-prone regions, its important to understand the exterior siding materials available and the distinct differences between them. Most importantly, there are three common classifications of exterior home siding: non-combustible, fire resistant, and combustible. We'll expand on the commonly available materials within each of those categories below.

Non-Combustible Siding

Metal Siding: Corrugated metal sheeting, or architectural metal wall panels
Three Coat Stucco: This is an exterior wall cladding system that has been available for many years in large part due to its aesthetic appeal and high level of durability. The total stucco application results in a approximately 1-inch thick impact resistant, non-combustible exterior cladding system.
Fiber Cement Board Siding: A frequently installed product in wildfire climates with aesthetic very similar to traditional wood lap siding or wood shake. These materials can be ordered pre-colored or painted following installation. Fiber cement board siding has a significantly longer product longevity than wood as it is rot resistant and withstands extreme temperature changes far better than wood.
- Products we recommend: James Hardie siding and Allura siding

Fire Resistant Siding

This is typically wood exterior siding that has been treated with a fire retardant chemical. The chemicals used in these exterior applications typically lose their fire retardant qualities over time due to weather exposure and age.

Combustible Siding

Wood Siding: solid and composite wood products (plywood, strand board, compressed wood fiber)
Plastic Siding: Vinyl and PVC lap siding, fascia, and trim

Our recommendation to any homeowner living in the wildland urban interface where wildfire risk is prevalent is to adopt the most resilient exterior siding material possible. In this case, that is either metal siding, three coat stucco, or fiber cement board. Not only will this type of exterior cladding significantly improve the protection of your building envelope, but it will also save you the homeowner money over time due to the minimal maintenance required and reduced insurance premiums.

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New Construction

If you're building your dream home, its long term protection is paramount. Selecting a siding installer versed in navigating Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and home insurance is important.

Remodels

Improving your homes look and feel also comes with ensuring it is wildfire prepared. If your project requires replacement of more than 25% of your exterior siding square footage, you will be required to replace your entire home's siding with a Class A fire rated material.

Reducing Insurance Rate Hikes

Home insurance companies have become significantly more scrutinizing with their residential property assessments as it relates to wildfire risk exposure. Avoid policy cancellations or annual increases to your premium by installing non-combustible siding.