Hot, windy summers in The Dalles can turn a distant wildfire into an ember storm in minutes. If you have wondered how to protect your home without sacrificing curb appeal, you are not alone. The good news is you can make smart exterior upgrades that look great and dramatically cut risk from embers, radiant heat, and direct flames. This guide walks you through the highest-impact improvements for The Dalles and Wasco County homes, along with a simple plan to phase projects and talk confidently with contractors. Let’s dive in.
Why wildfire-ready exteriors matter in The Dalles
You live at the east end of the Columbia River Gorge, where hot, dry summers and strong winds can carry embers long distances. In recent years, wildfire seasons have become longer and more active across Oregon. That makes your home’s exterior a frontline defense.
Most houses ignite from wind-driven embers that slip into vents, collect in gutters, or land on combustible roofs and decks. Direct flame contact and radiant heat from nearby vegetation or structures are the other key risks. Your goal is to block ember entry, remove easy fuel near the house, and choose materials that resist heat.
Before each season, check Wasco County and City of The Dalles updates along with Oregon Department of Forestry and your local fire district for current risk maps, evacuation plans, and any community mitigation programs.
Start with the roof
Your roof is the most exposed surface and a top priority.
- Choose noncombustible tile, metal, or Class A asphalt fiberglass shingles. These options are designed to resist ignition while maintaining curb appeal.
- Avoid untreated wood shakes. They are high risk in wildfire conditions.
- Ask about details that reduce ember traps, like sealed ridge caps, well-flashed valleys, and tight roof-to-wall intersections.
If you cannot replace the roof right away, focus on sealing problem areas and keeping gutters clean. When you do replace, request documentation showing the Class A rating and confirm that the design limits ember accumulation.
Seal vents, eaves, and soffits
Vents and open eaves are common ember pathways into attics and crawlspaces.
- Install ember-resistant vents or corrosion-resistant metal mesh. A fine metal mesh of 1/8 inch or smaller is commonly recommended for attic and foundation vents.
- Enclose open eaves and box soffits where feasible to eliminate places embers can lodge.
- Seal gaps at roof-to-wall junctions and around plumbing or electrical penetrations.
These are relatively quick upgrades that deliver big risk reduction at a modest cost.
Choose siding that resists fire
Your exterior walls should resist embers and radiant heat while fitting your home’s style.
- Opt for fiber cement, stucco, brick or masonry, stone veneer, or metal siding. These materials are noncombustible or highly resistant.
- If you prefer a wood look, fire-retardant treated wood or heavy timbers provide better performance than standard wood, though they are still more vulnerable than noncombustible choices.
- Replace or overlay combustible siding closest to the ground and next to decks first, then phase larger areas over time.
Keep siding well maintained. Repair cracks and gaps that can admit embers, and use noncombustible trim near grade.
Upgrade windows and doors
Windows and doors can fail under radiant heat, letting fire reach the interior.
- Replace single-pane units with dual- or triple-pane windows. For first-floor and high-exposure areas, consider tempered glass.
- Choose metal or solid-core exterior doors with quality weatherstripping to block ember entry.
- Minimize skylights in high-exposure locations, which are more vulnerable to heat and embers.
Small improvements, like new weatherstripping and tight thresholds, add up quickly.
Make decks and porches safer
Decks often collect embers and can ignite, spreading fire to walls and underfloor spaces.
- Use ignition-resistant decking, such as composite or cementitious boards, with noncombustible or metal framing when possible.
- Enclose the underside of decks with ember-resistant skirting, and block exposed joists.
- Create a noncombustible break where the deck meets the house with proper flashing and spacing.
If a full replacement is not in budget, clear everything from under the deck, add ember screening, and move grills and heat sources away during high fire danger.
Clean gutters and protect chimneys
Gutters and roof valleys are natural ember catchers. Chimneys can throw sparks if not properly capped.
- Install metal gutters and quality gutter guards that limit debris buildup.
- Clean gutters frequently during fire season and after wind events.
- Add a screened chimney cap or spark arrestor and keep flues clean, especially if you use a wood stove.
These small tasks reduce the chance of embers finding tinder on your roofline.
Design defensible space that still looks great
A well-planned landscape can slow fire and reduce heat near your home without looking barren.
- Immediate zone (0–5 feet): Keep it lean, clean, and green. Use gravel, rock, pavers, or irrigated low-growing plants. Store firewood and other combustibles away from the house.
- Reduced fuel zone (5–30 feet): Space out shrubs and trees, remove ladder fuels beneath tree canopies, and keep plants maintained and irrigated.
- Extended zone (30–100+ feet): Thin denser areas, remove dead material, and maintain breaks in fuel continuity. Increase spacing on slopes.
Choose plants that retain moisture and have lower resin content. Deciduous species near the house often perform better than large, resinous evergreens. For plant lists suited to Wasco County microclimates, consult the Oregon State University Extension Service.
Prioritize your project plan
Focus on the highest-risk pathways first, then phase in larger upgrades.
High priority
- Replace wood shake roofs with Class A roofing, or seal valleys and eaves and keep gutters clear until replacement.
- Install ember-resistant attic and foundation vents and enclose soffits where possible.
- Create an immediate 0–5 foot noncombustible buffer and remove flammable mulch and shrubs against siding.
- Add metal gutters and guards and set a cleaning schedule.
Medium priority
- Replace combustible siding near grade with fiber cement, stucco, masonry, or metal.
- Upgrade decks to ignition-resistant materials and enclose undersides.
- Improve windows and doors with multi-pane tempered glass on key exposures and tight weather seals.
Lower priority
- Add or inspect chimney caps and spark arrestors and extend hardscaping farther from the house.
- Choose noncombustible exterior finishes for trim, planters, and furniture near the structure.
Budget and timeline tips
You can combine quick, low-cost steps now with planned upgrades later.
- Low cost: ember-resistant vents, gutter guards, screening, pruning, mowing, and weatherstripping.
- Medium cost: Class A shingle replacement or overlay, partial siding replacement, deck resurfacing with ignition-resistant boards.
- Higher cost: full metal or tile roof, whole-house siding replacement, structural deck rebuilds, and enclosing eaves.
Set target dates before peak fire season for maintenance items like gutter cleaning and landscape pruning.
What to ask contractors in The Dalles
Use this checklist to get wildfire performance and quality installation.
Materials
- What is the roof’s fire rating, and can you provide Class A documentation?
- Are vents ember-resistant and tested to recognized methods? Can you provide manufacturer test info?
Installation
- How will you enclose soffits or screen eaves with corrosion-resistant mesh?
- How will you flash valleys, penetrations, and roof-to-wall intersections to reduce ember traps?
- At the deck-to-wall connection, how will you create noncombustible separation and flashing?
Permits and codes
- Will you handle City of The Dalles or Wasco County permits for roof, siding, and structural work?
- Does the plan align with local wildfire-resilience recommendations?
Warranty and maintenance
- What are the material and workmanship warranties?
- What maintenance schedule should I follow for gutters, caulking, and repainting?
Insurance and references
- Are you licensed and insured, and can you share references from wildfire mitigation projects?
- Can you stage work so vents, gutters, and defensible space are completed before fire season?
Permits, insurance, and local resources
Roof and siding replacements typically require permits. Check with the City of The Dalles and Wasco County building departments about requirements, especially if enclosing eaves or making structural deck changes. Some insurers offer premium reductions for documented mitigation, such as a Class A roof or participation in recognized wildfire programs. Ask your carrier what counts and how to document upgrades.
For regionally specific landscape guidance, contact the Oregon State University Extension Service. For hazard maps, defensible space advice, and evacuation information, review Oregon Department of Forestry and your local fire district resources. Community programs and grants change over time, so check back each season.
Bring it together
A wildfire-resilient exterior does not have to look utilitarian. With Class A roofing, ember-smart vents and soffits, noncombustible siding accents, and a clean, well-designed 0–5 foot perimeter, you can boost curb appeal and reduce risk at the same time. Start with the highest-impact steps you can do now, then layer in siding, window, and deck upgrades with your next renovation cycle.
If you want a local perspective on what upgrades add value for Wasco County buyers and how to phase improvements around your budget and timeline, reach out. I am here to help you prioritize, connect with reputable local pros, and prepare your property for the next fire season.
Ready to plan your next steps? Contact Tiffany Hillman for friendly, local guidance tailored to your home in The Dalles.
FAQs
What are the top wildfire upgrades for a The Dalles home?
- Focus on a Class A roof, ember-resistant vents with enclosed soffits, a noncombustible 0–5 foot perimeter, and clean metal gutters with guards.
What is a Class A roof, and why does it matter in Wasco County?
- A Class A roof is rated for the highest fire resistance among common roofing materials, which helps resist ember ignition common in hot, windy Gorge conditions.
How do I keep embers out of my attic and crawlspace?
- Use ember-resistant vents or fine metal mesh on all attic and foundation openings, enclose open eaves, and seal gaps around roof-to-wall intersections and penetrations.
Which plants are safer near my The Dalles house?
- Choose low, irrigated, moisture-retaining plants in the first 5 feet and favor less resinous, often deciduous species; consult OSU Extension for local plant lists.
Do I need permits to replace my roof or siding in The Dalles?
- Roof and siding replacements usually require permits; check with the City of The Dalles and Wasco County before you start, especially for structural or eave enclosures.
Can wildfire upgrades lower my homeowners insurance premium?
- Some insurers provide discounts for documented mitigation such as a Class A roof or defensible space; ask your carrier what qualifies and how to document it.
