Quick Steps and Tips to Deploy Your Fire Shields

Fire shields deploy faster than most people expect. There are some things to keep in mind that will make it easier and safer to protect your home during a bushfire or wildfire event.

Most bushfires are accompanied by high winds. The best time to deploy your fire resistant shields to avoid the wind is at sunrise or sunset. Winds will generally be calm until 8 to 9AM, even during Santa Ana winds. Have your sandbags filled, helpers ready, and start as early as possible to beat the winds. The home below was covered completely by 3 people in approximately 70 minutes but allow longer if it is your first time.

Cover any sharp edges that might tear the material with duct tape or rags. Be careful that the shields do not catch on vent pipes or other obstacles.
If you are using water under the shields, highly recommended, place your hose on each side of the roof peak with the sprinkler holes facing down. Do not turn on the water until you are done. SHIELDS ARE EXTREMELY SLIPPERY WHEN WET!
Next unpack your fire shields and carry them to the roof. Unroll the shields anticipating where the edges will be when you unfold the wings.
Anchor the top part of the shields with sandbags or weights before you allow the bottom half to hang over the eave. Allow enough material to tuck under the eave and go down the wall at least 2 feet. Allow path for the water to flow against the wall under the shields for maximum protection.
Use the banding or staples to tack shield material on all seams. Remember winds can and will blow up to 40 miles per hour OR MORE during the fire. Make sure all seams and edges are secure and there are no holes where embers can enter. For best result use Shield Banding.
To wrap your walls simply start at one edge and tack the material to the wall. Work around the house and try to extend past the foundation by 2 feet for anchoring room. Use shield banding for best protection.

When finished your home should be secure and properly sealed. CAUTION: Fire shields are slippery when dry. Be extremely careful when walking on them with wet shoes. If you have extra shields place them on the area that faces the fire assault for double protection. Two layers of fire shields provide ultimate protection.

Always listen to fire professionals during fire events.

Be extremely careful with your fire shields near power lines and power supplies running into your home via the roof. DO NOT TOUCH ANY POWER LINES WITH YOUR HANDS OR THE FIRE SHIELDS. Also do not allow the wind to blow the material into a power line. Tie weights or sandbags to the end of the material that will be nearest the power lines prior to positioning the shields.

If you intend to wet your roof wait until after you have deployed your fire shields. They are extremely slippery when walked on and when they are overlapped or wet they will be very slippery. Wetting after the shields are on will slow evaporation and keep the moisture on your roof much longer.

Use extreme caution when using ladders and walking on your roof. Make sure your roof is strong enough for people to walk on safely. Read the Firezat Disclaimer for more information.

 

Firezat makes no claims or statements, or offers any assurance or assurances, guarantees, promises, either direct or implied, as to the effectiveness or suitability of its products to protect any property or possessions from fire damage or any other calamity whether anticipated or foreseen. Due to the extreme conditions of high heat, high winds, low humidity, and unpredictability associated with all fires it is impossible to make such guarantees. Before using, the user agrees to assume all risks and liabilities in connection with deployment, application, use and/or storage of Firezat Fire Shields. Sellers and manufacturers only obligation shall be to replace any Fire Shields found to be defective within one year from the date of purchase. Please see Disclaimer for complete disclosure.