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Common Causes of Attic Fires

common cause of attic fires

All residential fires can be very dangerous and devastating. Attics are often a source of house fires because of their own fire hazards that go unnoticed.

There are different reasons for attic fires—some of them avoidable and some of them not. Though you may not always be able to foresee fire hazards, there are a few things you can control.

Take preventive action to avoid your house going down in flames with a few tips on how to prevent fires in your attic.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are the most common cause for residential attic fires. Circuits overload, breakers fail, and so on. It is estimated that nearly half of residential attic fires are caused by some sort of electrical malfunction.

To prevent this some happening in your attic—take some preventive measures. Don’t overload outlets. Use all of your electronics according to the manufacturer instructions. Don’t leave electronics plugged in and unsupervised.

Always unplug any electronics plugged into attic outlets before leaving the attic. Avoid having exposed wires in your attic. Mice or other pests can chew through wiring, leaving it exposed and more vulnerable to starting an electrical fire. You can also have a professional check your wiring regularly to ensure that you are not in danger of an electrical fire.

Heating Elements

Home heating systems are a must these days, but they come with some potential dangers. Most homes run on a traditional heating, ventilation, and cooling system. It’s wise to have your system inspected at least once a year—mainly to ensure it’s functioning properly and that there are no potential fire hazards lingering.

You should also change your HVAC’s vent regularly and keep it clear from flammable things. When dust and debris build up in your HVAC’s filter, it can be a fire hazard. Likewise, when there are flammable products nearby your heater, you may be risking a fire.

If you have space heaters, an attic is probably not the place to keep them. A space heater left unattended can be a serious fire hazard. When you are using any sort of heating element, be wary. Keep it away from flammable, be sure it’s powered down, don’t leave it unattended when it is powered on, and check on it regularly.

Natural Sources

Natural sources that can be potential fire hazards may include fallen trees, lightning, or snow or rain dripping onto electrical outlets or wires. You cannot always protect your house or attic from all natural sources.

Many of these forces are out of our control. But there are a few things you can do. Regularly trim the trees surrounding your house. Having a large tree outside can be hazardous during a strong storm. Whether it’s the entire tree or just a branch that crashes into your house—it can do some serious damage.

You can also ensure your roofing with a fire-retardant material—this will help to decrease the chances of a natural fire starting. Reinforcing roofing to keep your home save from the elements and potential water dripping onto electoral wires and outlets will also help to prevent problems.

 
 

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