One issue for many California houses built 20 or more years ago is that the construction of open eaves is so imperfect that it's really difficult to enclose them tightly as a retrofit, and there's little point if there are still 1/4 to 1/2 inch gaps everywhere. It's doable, but not as simple as is often suggested.
If in a high risk fire area, I've heard that swirling embers and even ignited objects like paper get caught up under the eves and can't escape. Therefore, I don't think it's safe to say that a fire resistant siding mitigates the need for closing the eves. Thoughts? Any info you have on meeting requirements (materials, methods, etc) when closing it would be most helpful. My sister's insurance company is requiring this or she'll be cancelled, she's near a California hillside that's considered a high fire risk.
One issue for many California houses built 20 or more years ago is that the construction of open eaves is so imperfect that it's really difficult to enclose them tightly as a retrofit, and there's little point if there are still 1/4 to 1/2 inch gaps everywhere. It's doable, but not as simple as is often suggested.
If in a high risk fire area, I've heard that swirling embers and even ignited objects like paper get caught up under the eves and can't escape. Therefore, I don't think it's safe to say that a fire resistant siding mitigates the need for closing the eves. Thoughts?
Any info you have on meeting requirements (materials, methods, etc) when closing it would be most helpful. My sister's insurance company is requiring this or she'll be cancelled, she's near a California hillside that's considered a high fire risk.