Homes can have different kinds of attic vents (for example, eave, gable end, and "through-roof"), and if built over a crawl space, foundation vents. Vents help minimize the accumulation of moisture in these enclosed spaces. Vents can also allow embers into the attic and crawl space, which may result in a fire. Vents specifically designed to resist intrusion of embers and flames are becoming commercially available. These vents use fine screens or other design features to resist the intrusion of embers and usually have a separate design feature to resist flame penetration. The current challenge for a consumer is that no accepted test method exists to evaluate how well these vents work. A standard is being developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials, with some vents having been tested. This draft standard includes separate procedures to evaluate resistance to ember and flame-impingement exposures. If you are considering one of these vents, you should request any available reports of test results. These are usually posted on the manufacturer's Web site — if testing has been completed. These vents will be more expensive than ⅛-inch mesh screening.

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