BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS

Fire officials have addressed the danger posed by open-top gutters. In wildland-urban interface areas, building standards issued by the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection and Office of the State Fire Marshall now require covered gutter protection on newly constructed homes. And, in some counties, gutter protection is required when you re-roof.

FIRE PROTECTION

If you live in an area at risk for fires, you know that you must be extra-careful about keeping your roof and gutters clean and clear. Ordinary screens and cover devices do not really provide much help. They simply form a flat shelf at the edge of your roof, allowing all kinds of flammable debris to build up and pile on your roof. Just one tiny burning ember floating by can settle and ignite.