Science-Backed Home Hardening
Most homes don't ignite from the fire front. They ignite from embers entering through unprotected vents. We install ember-resistant mesh over every opening — blocking the primary ignition pathway before fire season arrives.
It's Not the Fire Front. It's the Ember Storm
The fire front gets the headlines. The embers do the damage.
During a wildfire, burning debris travels miles ahead of the flame front — landing on rooftops, settling into gutters, and finding unprotected vent openings. Attic vents. Foundation vents. Soffit vents. Any opening without ember protection is an entry point.
Once embers sneak inside, whether it be an attic or a crawl space, the wind takes over. High winds act like a bellows, driving air directly into the cavity and stoking the fire from the inside out. By the time it's visible from the outside, the structure is already failing.
This is the ignition pathway ember-resistant vents work to close. Not the fire approaching your perimeter. The embers raining upon your property and looking for a way in.
Ember-Resistant Mesh Installed Over Your Openings
We install WDM 98, a 1/16" opening stainless steel mesh, over foundation vents, soffit vents, gable vents, and any other opening where embers can enter. Rather than purchasing a new ember-resistant vent, the ember-resistant mesh installs directly over your existing vents. Nothing is removed.
98%
Effective at blocking embers
~38%
Reduction in radiant heat transfer at the opening
Certifications
Standard, Trimmed, or Custom, We Build Around Your Needs
Every opening is different. We measure on-site and fabricate vent covers to fit.
Standard
Mesh cut to size and installed flush over the vent opening. Clean, functional, immediate protection.
Trimmed
A 3/4" metal border is added around the perimeter. More finished look without any trade-off in performance.
Custom
For non-standard openings — pipes or penetrations passing through the vent area, irregular dimensions. We cut and shape the vents accordingly.
All options use the same WDM 98 mesh and are installed to the same standard.
The 3-Step Process
- 01
On-Site Vulnerability Assessment
A Matador Fire specialist visits your property, measures every vent opening, and walks you through the risk at each location. You'll know exactly where the ember entry points are and why each one matters.
- 02
Fabrication
Panels are cut to your exact measurements. Sealant and trim materials are prepared before installation day.
- 03
Professional Installation
Mesh is drilled into the surrounding surface and sealed at all edges, weatherproof, clean, and ready for fire season. The mesh does not disrupt existing ventilation.
Real Homes With Wildfire Defense
“Overall very happy with the work your team has done.”
Early client, neighborhood advocate
Wildfire Defense System + Retardant Application + Home Hardening, Los Angeles
Before You Decide.
Common Questions
I've already done brush clearance. Do I still need this?
Brush clearance creates defensible space around your home by reducing the fuel load at your perimeter. It doesn't protect your home's structural openings. The two address different parts of the ignition problem. Clearance handles what's outside while hardening handles what can get inside.
Will covering my vents cause ventilation problems?
No. The mesh maintains airflow — it blocks embers while allowing normal ventilation to continue. Your attic, crawl space, and foundation vents will function the same way they do now.
Is this a permanent modification to my home?
The ember-resistant mesh retrofits over existing vents without removing or replacing them. If you ever need to remove it, that's a straightforward job. Most homeowners leave it permanently; it's not designed to be a seasonal fire prevention measure.
Do I need this if I have the Wildfire Defense System?
Yes — and they work together. The Wildfire Defense System applies fire retardant to exterior surfaces. Home hardening protects the structural openings 24 hours a day, whether you're home or not. They address different ignition pathways.
Learn about the Wildfire Defense System →
Seal the Openings Before Fire Season
A Matador Fire field tech will walk your property, identify every ember entry point, and show you exactly what needs to be protected. Free assessment. No obligation.