Our Services & Pricing
What does installation typically cost?
Most wildfire home hardening projects in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County run between $1,500 and $15,000 depending on home size and the scope of work. Vent retrofits start at $45 per vent and gutter guards run $12 per linear foot. Larger projects — boxed eaves, fire-resistant spray coatings, and DeckGuard — are quoted per square foot after on-site measurement. We provide a detailed, itemized quote after your free assessment — no surprises.
How long does installation take?
Most installations are completed in a single day. A standard ember-resistant vent retrofit on a typical Ventura County home takes 4 to 6 hours. Larger projects involving boxed eaves, gutter guards, or fire-resistant coatings may take 1 to 2 days. We work efficiently and clean up completely before we leave.
Are your products California Fire Code compliant?
Yes. All products and installations performed by Wildfire Warden meet California Fire Code requirements and CAL FIRE defensible space standards. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured California contractor (CA Lic #1150345), and every project is completed in accordance with Public Resources Code 4291 and the Safer From Wildfires framework recognized by California insurers.
What is the difference between ember-resistant vents and regular vents?
Standard vents found on most homes in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County use mesh openings large enough for embers to pass through during a wildfire. We offer two solutions: a fast, affordable mesh retrofit using stainless steel ember-resistant mesh installed behind your existing louvers, or full vent replacement with ASTM E2886-certified ember- and flame-resistant assemblies for homes in the highest-risk zones. Since embers are responsible for igniting 90% of homes lost in wildfires — not direct flame contact — vent protection is one of the highest-impact improvements a homeowner can make.
Do you offer any warranties on your work?
Yes. All Wildfire Warden installations come with a workmanship warranty. Product warranties vary by manufacturer — we use industry-leading materials including Wildfire Defense Mesh ember-resistant vents and James Hardie fiber cement products, both of which carry their own manufacturer warranties. We'll walk you through the specific warranty coverage for every product we install during your free assessment.
Should I retrofit my vents or replace them?
Both. The right choice depends on your home and budget. A mesh retrofit is the most affordable option — we install stainless steel ember-resistant mesh behind your existing louvers, starting at $45 per vent. It's the right call for budget-conscious homeowners or homes where existing vents are still in good condition. Full vent replacement is the higher-tier option for homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) — we replace your existing vents with ASTM E2886-certified ember- and flame-resistant assemblies that include intumescent components designed to seal shut under direct flame exposure. Our specialist will recommend the right tier for your home during the free assessment.
What is Pro-Defense Spray and what does it protect?
Pro-Defense Spray is a professional-grade intumescent coating sprayed directly onto exposed structural wood — exposed eaves, plywood lips around vents, framing, fascia, and exposed substructures. When heat hits the coating, it expands into a thick char layer that insulates the wood beneath and resists ignition. It targets the parts of your home you can see but rarely think about: the unfinished or partially exposed wood members that catch the first embers when a fire arrives. Applied during a single visit, cures into a paintable finish, and projects start at $2,500.
What’s the difference between Pro-Defense Spray and FireFree 88?
Different surfaces, different products. Pro-Defense Spray is for exposed structural wood and substructures — eaves, framing, plywood lips, fascia. FireFree 88 + FfE Topcoat is a two-layer system designed specifically for wood and wood-composite siding on the visible exterior of your home. FireFree 88 forms the fire-retardant base; the FfE topcoat seals it and matches standard exterior paint so the finished result looks indistinguishable from regular siding. If you have wood siding that can’t reasonably be replaced with fiber cement, FireFree 88 transforms it into a fire-resistant surface without changing how your home looks. Projects start at $1,500.
Can you protect my deck and fence?
Yes. Wood decks and fences are one of the most under-protected wildfire vulnerabilities on a home. Embers settle between deck boards, ignite, and travel directly to the structure — a wood fence connected to the home is a fuse. DeckGuard is a fire-resistant coating applied to wood decks, fences, and connected wood structures, formulated to withstand foot traffic, weather, and UV exposure without sacrificing fire resistance. Decks and fences start at $500. It’s the most affordable insurance you can buy for the parts of your property most likely to ignite.
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