Wildfires or forest fires are very common threats, especially in Okanagan in British Columbia, Canada. There are numerous evacuations and structures destroyed, and they can burn acres of land. Devastation is felt in communities, and firefighters are often seen fighting the blazes. Others are staying to defend their homes, but many are so lucky with embers continuing to rain down on them. See more about wildfires on this website here.

However, as the plants are starting to grow again, a rebirth is also being seen. Homes are being rebuilt from the ashes, and this is with the help of a good contractor. This is where the ARG contracting in Kelowna has become helpful because they are finalizing their plans for their clients to build their homes.

However, many people were not so lucky with their insurance providers because they were still in the process of selecting a contractor. Those who got a cheque sooner also started their projects after the fires. Pushbacks from the insurers are common, and they are having difficulties getting coverage for those who want to remove and rebuild their septic systems.

Why Call the Contractors after a Wildfire?

When forest fires appear in a community, it’s going to take Mother Nature a lot of time to recuperate, and this means people in the community may have to make some adjustments before they can restore their previous lives. However, despite others rushing to rebuild their precious homes, as a homeowner in BC, you will also need to think and ensure that you do it the right way.

Being hasty and using low-quality materials is going to cause the breakdown of the home structure again when a wildfire strikes. It’s always best to consult the Kelowna builders like ARG contracting if you want to make sure that you can withstand the wildfires and have a team that will understand the unique needs of the homeowners. They know that the structure is going to be the new sanctuary for people who have lost a lot of what they worked hard to build through the years. Other tips that Okanagan homeowners may find helpful are the following:

Materials should be Fire-Resistant

Concrete is an excellent material but know that not all mixtures are created equal. There are aggregates and their mixtures are going to change the properties of the material depending on their usage. Natural aggregates may not perform well but there are recent developments like the insulating concrete form that’s used in various apartments that can offer excellent fire resistance.

Stucco is also a plaster that’s used in various architectures, and it consists of lime, sand, and cement. This is going to cover wood or brick, and overhangs are often fire hazards, but they can be protected with stucco encasements. With the best contractors in BC, you can have a design that minimizes vents, decreases the likelihood of the fire spreading through the home, and makes sure that there are no gaps in the garage doors.

Designs can Also Matter

Site selection is one of the things the professionals are going to advise when you’re trying to rebuild your home in Kelowna. They may analyze the wind patterns and position the home in a zone that’s safe from the flames. Defensible spaces are also highly recommended where the vegetation that can be hazardous is already removed.

Correct detailing can also involve stucco, treated wood panels, and masonry that provides a higher level of fire resistance. Vents are adjusted and it’s essential to install ones that are made from non-combustible materials. They shouldn’t face the prevailing winds, and the opening sizes should be below 144 sq. inches to decrease the chance of embers entering.

Glazing should also be specified where products, like tempered or laminated glass with low emissivity, should be utilized. There should also be reinforced glazing units that are going to keep the family safer. Special equipment and sprinklers should be required in any home in Kelowna, Okanagan for an extra safety layer. Read info about stucco at this link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/stucco.  

Pressurized tanks can be used to hold the water because firefighters often use public lines for the water to hold down the fire. They should be near surrounding vegetation where they can be more effective.

Getting the Help of the Right People

Fortunately, some professionals have a more holistic approach to rebuilding, and they are going to take a more proactive stance when it comes to their client’s needs. All the permits and codes are followed so this won’t happen again, and the founders have visions of where they are going to build a structure that’s more resilient in the coming years.

Fortunately, people in the Central Okanagan area remained pretty hopeful about the process of reconstructing their homes. They are also updating their insurance policies and are making a significant step towards the recovery of the entire region in the aftermath of the wildfires.