Frequently Asked Questions


What are embers?
Embers are small burning bits of material from a fire. They become airborne, get blown by the wind and can travel miles from the fire itself. In a wildfire, embers typically start more home fires than contact from the original fire.

What is a home ember attack?
A home ember attack is an event that occurs during a wildfire when burning embers are carried along by the fire, or driven ahead of the fire by prevailing winds, and ‘swarm’ around a house as if it were under attack by bees.



What are eave vents?
Eave vents are openings into the attic space that promote ventilation. They are typically located on the upper edge of the perimeter walls of a house, where the walls meet up with the overhang of the roof. These vents, which commonly are 2” – 3” diameter holes bored through the eave board, allow air to pass through them, into the attic space, in order to provide ventilation. Most building codes specify eave vents for attics to prevent a buildup of moisture and temperature, which can lead to mold growth and decay. Eave vents offer embers and flames an easy entry point. “Embers slip through eave vents and ignite insulation, construction material or stored items, igniting the home from within” states Steve Quarles, PhD, of the Center for Fire Research and Outreach at Berkeley’s Richmond Field Station, who is also a technical specialist for the California State Fire Marshal’s Office (“CSFMO”). “Building codes require that eave vents be covered with a metal screen on the inside. But that’s inadequate to keep flames and embers away from the inside of your home,” says Quarles. “This is an example of a conflict in code preferences between building officials and fire officials. This mesh cannot stop embers and flames during wildfires. Smaller mesh screens might do a slightly better job of delaying entry of embers and fire, but they would plug up more easily.” Quarles suggests homeowners frequently check their vents to make sure there is no buildup of debris that would easily catch fire.

What are the effects of embers on property?
Because embers can be carried miles from a wildfire or structure fire by the wind, they threaten property and homes in their path. Embers ignite materials outside the home and can also enter a home through the eave vents and start a house fire. Fire authorities advise homeowners to be vigilant before and after a fire. Homeowners should inspect for signs of fire in the attic and crawl spaces. A smoke detector placed in the attic can act as an early warning system if a fire starts there.

Does the EDs Ember Deflector System™ have to meet local building codes?
The EDs Ember Deflector System™ is a home fire prevention system designed to be retrofitted over existing eave, gable, crawlspace vents. The system does not take the place of a vent or replace a vent. Individual units are installed over existing vents. As such, the system does not require a building permit to install. Nor does it violate building codes because it does not obstruct the vent holes when the doors are open, which means the carefully-engineered attic ventilation system remains fully intact.

What can I do to protect my home from fires?
Steve Quarles, of the Center for Fire Research and Outreach at Berkeley’s Richmond Field Station, who is also a technical specialist for the CSFMO, has identified six priority areas to enhance a homes survivability when exposed to fire. Homeowners should start with the roof. It’s the most vulnerable part of the house during a fire. The next area in the order is vents, then vegetation, windows, decking, and siding. Click on the ‘Home Fire Prevention’ button on our website to view a document that better explains what you can do to protect your home from fires.

How does the Ember Deflector System™ work?
The patent-pending EDs Ember Deflector System™ is made from high quality stainless steel that can withstand temperatures far exceeding the normal temperatures of fires. Its simple design allows you to slide the doors over your eave holes, thereby closing them off completely, when fire danger is imminent. The doors slide open just as easily, allowing the important task of ventilating your attic to continue.

Can Eds Ember Deflector System™ save my home from wildfires?
By itself, EDs will give your home a greater chance of surviving a wildfire. When used in conjunction with a detailed fire prevention strategy, such as a stucco exterior and a class A-rated roof, many more homes would survive a fire with minimal damage.

What do fire fighters consider a “savable” home?
During a wildfire, where whole neighborhoods are on fire, a “savable” home is one that has fire around it or near it, but not inside it. Resources are stretched thin during a wildfire, so emergency crews can only cover a small area at one time. If fire or smoke is coming out of a broken window, door, eave vent, or other opening, the home is not considered “savable”. Likely the home will be totally consumed by fire within minutes. Observing these circumstances, firefighters move on in search of other “savable” homes.

How can I purchase an EDs Ember Deflector System™?
You can purchase a system online at www.EDsEmberDeflector.com or call our sales department at 888-267-4795 Ext. 103 for assistance. We can have it installed for you or you can “DIY: Do-It-Yourself”. When the installers come to your home, they will provide a FREE fire safe assessment of your property.

How much does a typical EDs cost?
A manually-operated, EDs for a typical single story with 26 eave vents to protect, would cost around $1,200. A two-story manual cable system would be around $2,000. Pricing would depend on the complexities of the home and local labor rates.

Are there any rebates or financial incentives available, if I purchase an EDs Ember Deflector System?
At this time, we are working with insurance companies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the EDs with the hope they will offer deductions on homeowner premiums. The biggest incentive is this: knowing you have increased your own chance of surviving a wildfire should you be stuck in your home during a wildfire. If you are required to evacuate having EDs offers your home its greatest chance of surviving a wildfire.

Does the EDs Ember Deflector System™ come with a warranty?
Yes. The system has a lifetime warranty against material defects.

How long will it take to have EDs installed on my house?
On average, installing 26 EDs on a single-story home should take no longer than one day.


For more information, please call 1-888-267-4795 ext. 103 or send an email message to:
William@EDsEmberDeflector.com.