Effective planning with Homestead Exteriors can keep you protected, compliant, and confident.
On July 1, 2025, Colorado adopted the new Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) to address rising wildfire risk in the state’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones. Starting April 1, 2026, all local municipalities in designated WUI areas will be required to adopt this code at a minimum standard—and enforcement begins as early as July 1, 2026.
This new legislation sets minimum building standards designed to make homes more fire-resistant, especially in neighborhoods at moderate or high wildfire risk.
For homeowners planning any exterior remodels or siding replacements, this code has major implications. At Homestead Exteriors, we’re already helping clients navigate these changes, avoid compliance issues, and protect their homes with code-approved, high-performance materials like James Hardie® siding.
Who Needs to Pay Attention
- You’re planning a new build or major remodel
- You’re replacing or repairing 25% or more of your existing exterior wall surface
Use this map to check your address → CWRC GIS Locator Tool
These zones require Class 2 structural hardening, which includes:
- Noncombustible siding or ignition-resistant wall coverings
- Fire-rated vents and ember-proof gutters
Why This Matters: Wildfire Risks Are Rising in Colorado
More homes are being built in WUI zones, where forests meet neighborhoods. With droughts and high winds increasing wildfire threats, the risk of structure loss is growing.
The CWRC is Colorado’s proactive answer to help homeowners:
- Improve protection from embers, flame, and radiant heat
- Prevent the spread of fires between properties
- Reduce risk of catastrophic loss
Homestead Exteriors Helps You Stay Compliant and Protected
We specialize in siding and exterior remodels for high-risk wildfire zones, and we make code compliance simple by using fully CWRC-compliant materials:
James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding
- Verified noncombustible
- Class A fire-rated with a flame spread of 0
- Qualifies for Class 2 structural hardening in Moderate and High Intensity zones
- Already used on thousands of Colorado homes
- Eligible for insurance discounts from many providers
We also help you:
- Navigate city and county permitting rules
- Confirm your zone and risk level using the CWRC map
- Plan ahead for 2026 deadlines (before contractor availability fills up)
Schedule a free consultation to check your WUI zone, explore compliant materials, and get expert guidance.
What If I Don’t Comply?
If you remodel or replace more than 25% of your exterior wall surface without using compliant materials, you could be required to:
- Bring the entire structure up to code
- Remove and replace newly installed noncompliant siding
- Delay your project approval or face code violations
Avoiding these risks is simple: plan ahead and use compliant materials from the start.
Let’s Build Safer, Smarter, and to Code
Whether you’re replacing your siding for aesthetic upgrades, storm damage, or wildfire protection, Homestead Exteriors will make sure you’re not just building beautifully—you’re building smart.
We work with Colorado homeowners to:
- Assess your zone and project scope
- Recommend fire-resistant, compliant siding
- Handle permitting and inspections
- Help secure insurance discounts if applicable
Book a no-obligation consultation today to see how fire code changes may affect your home improvement plans.
