Are Patio Covers Fire-Resistant, and What Should You Know if You’re in a High-Risk Fire Zone?

In Sacramento, wildfires and ember storms are real risks. One stray ember can travel miles and land anywhere around your home, even on your patio cover.

If you have a patio cover in your backyard, is it fire-resistant? If not, what steps can you take to make it safer?

In this blog, you’ll learn what it’s important to have a fire-resistant patio cover, what your options are, and how to protect your outdoor space if you’re in a high-risk fire zone.

Is a Fire-Resistant Patio Cover Really Necessary?

When you think of a patio cover installation, it’s mostly about shade, comfort, and a place to enjoy your evenings. But, if you live in a wildfire-prone area like Sacramento, it can also be a weak spot if it’s made from the wrong materials.

• Wood burns quickly when embers land on it.
• Plastic or thin fabric covers can also melt or catch fire.
• Even if your home itself is fire-safe, a burning cover can spread flames closer to your roof, windows, or doors.

So, it’s not always about how nice your patio cover looks; it’s also about whether it can stay safe if embers land on it.

Fire-Resistant Patio Covers – Which Material Should You Choose?

Some patio covers are far safer than others because of their qualities, such as fire resistance or water resistance.

• Aluminum Patio Covers – These are non-combustible, which means they won’t catch fire. They’re one of the best choices for fire-prone areas. On top of that, they’re durable, low-maintenance, and can be styled to look modern or traditional.
• Treated Wood Patio Covers – These look really good. But unless specially treated, wood is a fire risk. Even fire-retardant wood only resists flames for a short time, it doesn’t make it completely fireproof.
• Vinyl or Fabric Covers – Not ideal in high-risk zones. They may be cheaper, but they don’t hold up well under heat and can melt or burn.

“No patio cover is completely fireproof.” Even non-combustible materials like aluminum can get hot, warp, or transfer heat. Still, an aluminum patio cover is the smartest choice because it won’t ignite like wood or fabric would.

Tips to Make Your Patio Safer in a Fire Zone

Apart from picking a less fire-resistant material, you can also follow some practical solutions to protect your patio cover from fire.

• Clear the space under your cover – Don’t store firewood, cardboard boxes, or cushions directly under the patio cover. If embers land there, they’ll have nothing to feed on.
• Keep your cover clean – Leaves, pine needles, and debris on top of a cover can catch fire faster than the cover itself. A quick clean-up goes a long way.
• Choose a solid cover design – Solid aluminum panels provide better protection than open lattice designs, which allow embers to fall through.
• Install ember screens – Fine mesh screens can stop embers from slipping through gaps or under your cover.
• Maintain defensible space – If you’ve heard of the first five feet rule, you know how important it is to keep the area closest to your home free of anything flammable. Your patio is also a part of that zone.

Why Are Most People in Sacramento Turning to Aluminum Patio Covers?

Today, more and more people are moving away from wood and toward aluminum, and the reasons are simple.

• Sacramento summers are hot and dry, and aluminum handles are better than wood.
• Fire risk is growing, and people want peace of mind.
• Aluminum covers don’t rot, warp, or need endless staining and sealing.
• It’s a perfect choice for both safety and low maintenance.