The accumulation of debris in gutters poses one of the greatest fire hazards for a building. In the event that embers ignite debris, such as leaves or pine needles, the resulting fire will directly expose the edge of the roof to flames.
Diagram illustrating the vulnerabilities of gutters to wildfire.
How Can You Protect Your Gutters?
The most important thing to do is to routinely clear debris from your gutters. If you have metal gutters, accumulated debris can still ignite and expose the roof edge to flames. Using metal flashing can be an effective way to protect roof edges and prevent flames from reaching the attic. With vinyl gutters, the gutter will likely detach and fall to the ground, exposing ground vegetation and potentially the siding to a new heat source.
Gutter covers can help prevent the accumulation of debris, but they may still require periodic attention. While non-metallic covers may burn during a fire, they do not necessarily pose a risk as long as the gutters are clean. Examples of tests of gutter covers and flashing techniques are discussed below.
Metal vs. Vinyl Gutters
In the image on the left, the metal gutter (right side) stays in place while the ignited debris burns, with the flames impinging at the roof edge. A plastic gutter (left side) eventually melts and falls to the ground.
- Plastic gutters will burn as long as nearby combustible materials are burning.
- Regardless of the material of the gutter, it is extremely important to keep it clean from debris.
Over Fascia Flashing
In these two images, metal angle flashing was used on the outside of the soffit assembly during a fire demonstration. Flashing wasn't included in the mid-section. Wood wool (excelsior) was used to simulate debris in the gutters as well as in the attic. A burning ember was simulated by a stick match. Flame penetration occurred in the mid-section where edge protection was missing. Angle flashing could have been more effective in blocking flame impingement.
Angle Flashing
Pine needles accumulated in this gutter expose the roof edge to potential flames. The angle flashing used here will help protect the roof edge in case these pine needles ignite.
Integrated Angle Flashing
Gutter with an integrated angle flashing (the gutter and angle flashing are one piece). Similar to the separate angle flashing, this design provides much better protection as it covers both the fascia and roof sheathing.
Gutter and Down Spout Covers
A variety of designs and materials can be found to prevent debris from accumulating in the gutters. If possible, avoid combustible materials that could burn during a fire.
Combination Cover-Screen
Section of a combination-type gutter cover, consisting of a solid metal cover (near the roof edge) and a screen (near the gutter lip).
- While this type of cover could improve the flame resistance of the roof edge, it could cause the accumulation of debris in the gutter-roof interface.
Gutter Cover and Debris
The screen stopped debris from accumulating in the gutter, but resulted in debris accumulating on the roof covering.
- The roof still needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.
California Regulations
Chapter 7A of the California Building Code states that 'roof gutters shall be provided with the means to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris.'' 'Prevent' will be hard to accomplish, but the intent is to minimize the accumulation of debris. Chapter 7A of the California Building Code doesn't restrict gutter material, thus metal or vinyl would be allowed.