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Fire-Resilient Home That Meets the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code

Colorado’s New Wildfire Building Code Image

Build a Fire – Resilient Home

Colorado’s New Wildfire Building Code

Colorado adopted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) at the state level in July 2025, setting minimum fire-resistant building requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Local jurisdictions were required to adopt the code by April 1, 2026, with enforcement beginning July 1, 2026. The code is now in effect.

In these zones, fire-resistant materials are essential. The CWRC requires Class 1 structure hardening in low fire-intensity areas, and both Class 1 and Class 2 hardening in moderate and high fire-intensity areas, including non-combustible or ignition-resistant siding, Class A roofing, and ember-resistant vents.

Does the code apply to my home?

The CWRC governs new construction and significant exterior alterations in mapped WUI areas, generally when 25% or more of your exterior wall surface is replaced, or on additions of 500 sq ft or more. It is not retroactive to existing homes, and small repairs are exempt. Requirements and adoption status vary by jurisdiction, and some local governments have adopted stricter standards. We will confirm your parcel’s fire-intensity classification and your jurisdiction’s adopted requirements before scoping your project.

Download your free guide to building a fire-resilient home that meets Colorado’s Wildfire Resiliency Code.
Fire-Resilient Home Solutions

Our Fire-Resilient Home Solutions

Trusted Materials. Proven Protection. Installed by GS Exterior Experts.

Colorado’s new wildfire building requirements raise the bar for safety in WUI zones, and the materials you select now matter more than ever. We help homeowners choose exterior systems that reduce ignition risk and increase long-term resilience. Below is a complete list of the preferred fire-resistant products our team installs.

Exterior Siding and Wall Systems

Non-combustible and ignition-resistant cladding designed for high-risk fire zones.

James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding

A proven choice for performance and safety, James Hardie siding is verified as noncombustible (ASTM E136) and Class A fire-rated (ASTM E84), with a flame spread of zero.

It won’t contribute fuel to a fire and meets CWRC Class 2 requirements for homes in moderate-to-high fire-intensity zones.

Why Homeowners Choose Hardie:

  • Fully compliant with Colorado’s new code
  • Withstands heat, hail, and harsh weather
  • Retains its color with ColorPlus® baked-on finish
  • May qualify for insurance discounts due to its durability and fire performance
  • Designed for longevity with minimal maintenance

If your home still has original Masonite or wood siding, upgrading to James Hardie fiber cement is one of the most effective ways to reduce fire risk and add long-term value.

Allura® Fiber Cement Siding

Allura is a fiber cement siding system engineered for high-heat, high-UV and wildfire-exposed environments. It is verified noncombustible under ASTM E136 with a flame spread index of zero under ASTM E84, and carries a CAL FIRE Wildland-Urban Interface product listing, the benchmark most western WUI codes are built around.

Allura boards are engineered for long-term stability, resisting warping, swelling, and cracking through Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Why Homeowners Choose Allura:

  • Noncombustible under ASTM E136, with an ASTM E84 flame spread index of 0 and smoke developed index of 5
  • CAL FIRE WUI listed, the standard reference for wildland-urban interface products
  • Durable in extreme climates, including intense sun and rapid temperature shifts
  • Low maintenance, with finishes built to withstand years of exposure
  • Resists moisture, insects, and rot, adding longevity and value

Upgrading from combustible siding such as Masonite or engineered wood to Allura measurably improves fire resilience and reduces long-term maintenance.

Nichiha® Fiber Cement Siding

Nichiha offers a commercial-grade fiber cement panel system adapted for residential applications. Its siding products are listed by Intertek under CCRR-0258 as noncombustible under California Building Code Section 202, and permitted on exterior walls under CBC Chapter 7A, California’s wildland-urban interface chapter.

Why Homeowners Choose Nichiha:

  • Noncombustible fiber cement, listed under Intertek CCRR-0258 and recognized under CBC Chapter 7A
  • ASTM E84 flame spread index of 0, with a smoke developed index of 5
  • Tested in rated wall assemblies, with a Nichiha-protected wall enduring 60 minutes of ASTM E119 fire exposure
  • Modern aesthetic, with large-format architectural profiles
  • Engineered stability, reducing risk of cracking or moisture intrusion

For homeowners who prefer a modern appearance without compromising fire performance, Nichiha delivers both.

EverLog® Concrete Log Siding

EverLog siding provides the look of natural wood logs without the fire vulnerability. Made from reinforced concrete, it is completely noncombustible and designed to withstand wildfire conditions, moisture exposure, and wood-destroying pests.

Why Homeowners Choose EverLog:

  • 100 percent noncombustible, eliminating the ignition risks of traditional log siding
  • Authentic log appearance with no warping, splitting, or settling
  • Minimal maintenance, with no staining or sealing required
  • Long service life, providing stable protection for decades
  • Resists insects, moisture, and rot, ideal for mountain and foothill homes

EverLog is a transformative upgrade for homeowners seeking the warmth of a log home with the safety and stability of concrete.

Preferred Masonry and Cementitious Options

Coronado® Stone Veneer

Coronado Stone is a manufactured veneer made from precast concrete, composed of cement, aggregate, and mineral coloring. It delivers the appearance of natural stone with the fire behavior of concrete, and holds a Class A finish rating under ICC-ES ESR-2598.

Why Homeowners Choose Coronado Stone:

  • Precast concrete composition, which does not ignite or contribute fuel
  • Class A finish rating under ICC-ES ESR-2598, meeting IRC R302.9 flame spread and smoke requirements
  • A broad range of styles and textures, complementing any architecture
  • Lightweight installation, adapted to most exterior substrates
  • Durable finish, retaining visual appeal in harsh climates

Coronado is well-suited for homeowners wanting both aesthetic elevation and improved fire resilience.

Sunset Stone® Veneer

Sunset Stone is a locally manufactured, cement-based veneer that offers the durability of concrete with Colorado-inspired color palettes. As a mineral, cement-based product it does not ignite or contribute fuel, and it adds dimensional texture to the exterior.

Why Homeowners Choose Sunset Stone:

  • Cement-based composition that will not ignite or feed a fire
  • Natural stone aesthetics with Colorado-inspired color palettes
  • Low maintenance, resisting fading and deterioration
  • Versatile application, suitable for full walls, accents, or wainscot
  • Locally made, supporting Colorado manufacturing

For homes in mapped WUI zones, we will confirm the specific product listing against your jurisdiction’s adopted requirements before specifying.

MasterWall® Stucco Systems

MasterWall offers a high-performing stucco system using cement-based, noncombustible materials that serve as a protective exterior shell. Stucco provides an excellent barrier against radiant heat and performs well in wildfire conditions when properly installed.

Why Homeowners Choose MasterWall:

  • Noncombustible cementitious layers

  • Strong fire resistance, slowing heat transfer into wall cavities

  • Durable exterior finish, holding up to Colorado’s weather swings

  • Custom textures and colors, supporting architectural variety

  • Long lifespan, with minimal maintenance

MasterWall is an ideal upgrade for homeowners relying on solid exterior wall protection in fire-prone regions.

Roofing Systems

Class A and non-combustible roofing materials that protect against ember exposure and flame spread.

F-Wave® Synthetic Roofing Shingles

A high-performance roofing system built for harsh climates and wildfire-prone areas, F-Wave shingles are engineered from a single-piece polymer that resists ignition, impact, heat, and UV exposure. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, F-Wave contains no granules, no asphalt, and no layered construction, which removes many of the failure points seen in conventional roofing under extreme weather and fire conditions.

F-Wave shingles deliver Class A fire performance, the highest fire rating available for residential roofing, and their durable construction offers superior protection against embers, flame spread, and Colorado’s unpredictable climate.

Why Homeowners Choose F-Wave:

  • Class A fire-rated roofing system for superior flame resistance

  • Non-granular polymer construction that will not crack, delaminate, or lose protective surface over time

  • Class 4 impact-rated, offering exceptional performance against hail and debris

  • High wind resistance, engineered to withstand severe wind events common along the Front Range

  • UV and heat stable, maintaining structural integrity under prolonged sun exposure

  • Long-term durability, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacement

  • Low maintenance, since polymer shingles resist curling, warping, and moisture intrusion

If your roof is older, made from combustible materials, or showing signs of wear, upgrading to F-Wave synthetic shingles is one of the most effective ways to increase fire resilience and safeguard your home from Colorado’s most common sources of exterior damage.

DECRA® Stone-Coated Steel Roofing

A premium noncombustible roofing system engineered for durability, DECRA roofing combines the strength of galvanized steel with a stone-coated finish that performs exceptionally well in wildfire-prone regions. Steel roofing does not ignite, melt, or contribute fuel to a fire, and DECRA’s interlocking panel design adds structural stability under severe conditions.

DECRA systems carry a Class A fire rating, offering the highest level of protection from flame spread and airborne embers. Their steel core and impact-resistant profile also make them one of the most resilient choices for Colorado’s combination of wildfire exposure, hail, wind, and heavy snow.

Why Homeowners Choose DECRA:

  • Noncombustible steel construction that does not contribute fuel during a fire

  • Class A fire-rated, meeting top-tier wildfire protection standards

  • An interlocking panel system that resists uplift and prevents ember intrusion

  • Class 4 impact resistance, ideal for hail-prone areas along the Front Range

  • Exceptional wind resistance, performing well in storm-exposed corridors

  • Long lifespan, with steel panels that maintain structural integrity for decades

  • Low maintenance, since metal will not warp, crack, or deteriorate like asphalt or wood

For homeowners replacing aging or combustible roofing, DECRA offers a long-lasting, noncombustible solution that significantly reduces fire risk while enhancing architectural appeal.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing-seam metal roofing is one of the most reliable, fire-resistant roof systems available today. Made from noncombustible steel panels, these roofs offer excellent performance in high-heat and ember-exposed conditions. Because metal does not ignite, spark, or burn, it reduces the likelihood of roof-level ignition during a wildfire.

Its continuous raised-seam structure creates a tight, interlocking system that sheds embers, resists wind uplift, and minimizes areas where debris can accumulate. This makes it one of the most resilient roofing options for homes in Colorado’s expanding wildfire zones.

Why Homeowners Choose Standing Seam Metal:

  • Noncombustible steel panels that provide inherent fire resistance
  • Class A fire performance, achieved when installed as part of a tested roof assembly
  • Continuous panel construction that resists ember intrusion
  • High wind and uplift resistance, tested to the manufacturer’s published uplift rating and well suited to foothill and mountain exposures
  • Long service life, significantly outlasting asphalt shingles in Colorado’s climate
  • Minimal maintenance, with no shingles or granules to deteriorate
  • Reflective finish that helps moderate attic temperatures in summer

Decking and Structural Framing

Fire-resistant deck systems designed for modern outdoor living.

TimberTech® Advanced PVC Decking

TimberTech Advanced PVC decking delivers the look of natural wood with substantially better fire performance. The Vintage Collection® and Landmark Collection® hold a Class A Flame Spread Rating, the highest available, and in 2024 became the first composite decking products to receive an Ignition Resistant designation from the California State Fire Marshal.

Why homeowners choose TimberTech Advanced PVC:

  • Class A Flame Spread Rating (Vintage and Landmark Collections)
  • Ignition Resistant designation from the California State Fire Marshal
  • Meets WUI compliance standards. Select Composite collections also qualify, on special order
  • Low maintenance, with no staining or sealing required
  • Resists warping, moisture, and insects
  • Stable under extreme sun and heat

We will confirm the specific collection and its listing against your parcel’s fire-intensity classification before specifying. Note that fascia and riser components are not covered by the same flame-spread testing.

Fortress® Evolution Steel Framing

Fortress Evolution is an all-steel deck framing system engineered for strength and ignition resistance. Steel framing removes one of the biggest wildfire vulnerabilities of traditional decks, replacing combustible wood with a stable, noncombustible structure.

Why Homeowners Choose Fortress Evolution:

  • Noncombustible steel construction

  • Superior fire performance, significantly reducing ignition risks

  • Straight, stable framing that will not bow, twist, or rot

  • Long lifespan, outlasting traditional wood framing

  • Compatible with any deck surface, including TimberTech and PVC products

Fortress Evolution delivers structural reassurance and long-term resilience for elevated decks and outdoor living areas.

SOFFITS, GABLES, AND VENTING

Vulcan Vents® Ember-Resistant Venting

Vulcan Vents are designed to prevent ember intrusion during wildfires, using a self-closing intumescent core that seals at high temperatures. They provide essential protection for attic spaces, soffits, and gables — often the first entry point for wildfire embers.

Why Homeowners Choose Vulcan Vents:

  • Ember-resistant design, preventing embers from entering the home

  • Self-closing under heat, sealing when temperatures rise

  • Noncombustible metal mesh, offering durable, long-term performance

  • Meets WUI venting requirements in fire-prone regions

  • Minimal maintenance, with corrosion-resistant construction

  • For many homes, vent upgrades are among the most cost-effective and high-impact fire-defense improvements available.

Insulation

Non-combustible insulation that improves safety and performance.

Rockwool® Mineral Wool Insulation

Rockwool insulation is a stone-based, noncombustible insulation material capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures without melting or releasing toxic smoke. It enhances both fire safety and overall building performance.

Why Homeowners Choose Rockwool:

  • Fully noncombustible, providing an added layer of fire protection

  • Maintains form under extreme heat, improving fire resilience

  • Moisture and mold resistant, supporting healthy structures

  • Superior sound control

  • Long-term durability, retaining R-value over time

  • Rockwool improves the strength and safety of any wall or attic assembly, especially when paired with noncombustible cladding.

WINDOWS

Aluminum Window Systems

In WUI zones, window performance depends primarily on the glazing. Tempered glass and multi-pane assemblies are what protect interior spaces from radiant heat and ember exposure, and CWRC Class 2 requirements address glazing directly. Aluminum frames complement that with non-combustible construction and thin, strong profiles that suit modern architecture.

  • Non-combustible frames, unlike vinyl or wood
  • Pairs with tempered and multi-pane glazing to meet Class 2 window requirements
  • Durable construction, resisting the warping and deterioration common in other frame materials
  • Thin, strong profiles, ideal for modern architectural designs

Why These Products

We curated this lineup because these materials consistently perform well in fire exposure tests, durability assessments, and field installations in wildfire-prone regions. They also meet or exceed the requirements outlined in Colorado’s new Wildfire Resiliency Code and its structural hardening standards.

You’re not just choosing materials; you’re choosing a system aligned for long-term protection, code compliance, and investment value.

Why Homeowners Trust GS Exterior Experts

With over 20 years of experience serving the Front Range and mountain communities, GS Exterior Experts delivers more than compliance, we deliver peace of mind. Our team combines expert installation, premium materials, and a stress-free customer experience rooted in integrity, quality, and satisfaction.

We’re already building to the standards Colorado will soon require, helping homeowners protect what matters most while enhancing curb appeal and property value.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Home?

Schedule a consultation with our team to evaluate your home’s exterior and discuss upgrades that meet or exceed the new Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code.