6 Ways to Build a Fire-Resistant Custom Home in Oklahoma [2025]

In 2025, Oklahoma is seeing a surge of wildfires and natural disasters. When building a customized home, it’s understandable if you are wary of building in today’s volatile climate.

Many homeowners are choosing to carefully build homes that are prepared for some of these hazards. That’s where a seasoned home design professional can step in! We can help design and build a custom home in Oklahoma that can withstand some of these natural disasters.

Here are 7 ways to construct a fire-resistant home system in Oklahoma.

BUILDING WITH STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

When building a home that can withstand nature’s most intense curveballs, think from the ground up. Steel and concrete structures are strong and offer excellent fire resistance. Steel can be used for framing and reinforcing structural elements and concrete, especially when paired with fire-resistant insulation can be used for walls and foundations.  

Building with steel and concrete materials and hiring a trusted builder who won’t cut corners is the best way to build a fire-resistant structure that can withstand the elements.

ROOFING AND SIDING

When building a fire-resistant abode, look for less-flammable materials like stucco, fiber cement, or metal siding. Fiber-cement is heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 2282 degrees Fahrenheit. Stucco is also fire-resistant, non-combustible, and won’t contribute to the spread of fire. Metal siding is also fire-resistant, wind, and weather-proof and is rated as a non-combustible material. 

Steer away from wood elements. Use brick or stone for a more sustainable, weather-resistant option. For brick masonry, use high-quality mortar and ensure the work is done carefully by a qualified professional. Use mortar that does not contain combustible materials. Remember that brick and stone are fire-resistant but not fire-proof but will contribute to a fire-resistant system.

When building your roof, choose metal, clay tiles, or composite roofing instead of wooden shingles. Avoid combustible materials here, as well.  

EMBER PROTECTION & FIRE-RETARDANT INSULATION

Seal any gaps or openings in your home’s exterior to prevent embers from entering and igniting combustible materials. Make sure mortars are sealed and checked annually and consider an unvented attic to prevent embers from entering through attic vents. 

Use fire-resistant insulation like cellulose or mineral wool in walls and attics. Fire-resistant insulation like Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) can also be used for walls and foundations but will cost around 3-5% more than a traditionally constructed home. 

PLEASE READ OUR BLOG: Our Home Design Predictions for 2025

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Use windows and doors that are fire-rated and can stand up to intense heat and flames. Look for tempered or wired glass for use in windows and doors. 

Look for fire-resistant glass and windows that are U.L Listed and Labeled to withstand heat and flames like these steel windows from Fyre-Tec. These windows can withstand fire and flames for 45 minutes to an hour. These fire-rated steel window panes can withstand heat for up to an hour and a half. 

DEFENSIBLE SPACE & FIRE-RESISTANT LANDSCAPING 

Create a defensible space around your home by removing any flammable vegetation and debris within a 30-50 foot circumference around your home. Opt for fire-resistant landscaping and fire-safe plants. 

Choose stone and gravel instead of wood chips and mulch which may contain combustible materials. Plant succulents and drought-tolerant vegetation that are naturally fire-resistant and contain higher water content.

In Oklahoma, look for agave, aloes, and native grasses as well as rockrose, yarrow, and certain oak trees with thick bark to contribute to fire-resistant home landscaping. 

FIRE SPRINKLERS 

Install interior and exterior fire sprinklers to help protect your home from wildfires and ensure easy access to water sources like a fire hydrant, well, or large water tank for firefighting purposes.

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LET’S BUILD!

By following these 7 steps and utilizing thoughtful preparation, planning, and research to ensure your plot of land is not in a fire-prone area, you can build a home that's more resistant to wildfires than the average home. 

Our professional home designers are here to help! Contact us today and let’s build the future-proof home of your dreams!