Submitted by Urbach Roofing, Inc.

California's fire storm season has begun.

It is important to make sure you’re prepared. One of the best ways to make sure your home is best protected is by taking a look at your current landscape, roofing, and window situation. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Make sure you have a nonflammable roof covering and assembly. Your roof is the most vulnerable spot for embers that blow in and collect.

Clean off the roof and clean out gutters and downspouts of debris and leaves.

Keep the surface and area beneath decks and porches free of debris and leaves.

Maintain a 3- to 5-foot space around your house and all attachments that is “fuel free” – no flammable mulch, woodpiles or plants that might help fire reach the house.

Screen vents with metal mesh. If possible, replace large windows with tempered glass to resist breakage during a fire.

Large flames can and will ignite your home if they are close enough to the house. Ensure that trees and shrubs within the first 30 feet of your home are healthy, spaced apart and not overhanging the house. If your home is on a slope, thin out vegetation to a further distance (50 to 100 feet) to slow fire’s spread as it approaches uphill.

Setting up an appointment to do annual roof maintenance in the fall will not only extend the life of your roof and help eliminate the need for an unexpected expense in the winter, but it also will help your home be more prepared for the fire season.

Maintenance consists of making sure your roof and gutters are free and clear of debris, checking that your chimney spark arrestor is in place, that your chimney extends above the roof line and, of course, checking for any obvious repairs, broken tiles, caulking needs, etc.

FireSmart roof materials include Class A asphalt shingles, metal, cement, and concrete products. If you have an old shake roof you may want to consider replacement or at least obtaining a replacement estimate so you can budget for replacement in the near future as these roofs are highly flammable.

Urbach Roofing, Inc. has been the San Diego area’s most trusted and respected roofing contractor for a variety of residential, commercial, and HOA projects since 1979. As of Oct. 14, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.