As wildfire risk continues to increase across Colorado, building codes are evolving to better protect homes in wildfire-prone zones. For homeowners in the Denver Metro area and foothill communities, these changes primarily center around the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) — areas where residential development meets or mixes with undeveloped wildland vegetation.
At New Windows for America, we stay ahead of building code changes and work closely with manufacturers that produce materials designed to meet or exceed emerging WUI and fire-resistance standards.
What Is the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)?
The Wildland-Urban Interface is the zone where human-built structures and natural vegetation overlap. In Colorado, this commonly includes foothill areas west of Denver, including communities near forested or open space areas where wildfire spread risk is higher.
WUI building codes are designed to:
- Reduce ignition risk from embers
- Slow flame spread across exterior surfaces
- Increase structure survivability during wildfire events
Many jurisdictions are adopting WUI-based standards derived from the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and similar wildfire mitigation frameworks.New and Emerging WUI Code Requirements (Windows, Doors, and Siding)
While exact timelines vary by municipality, many Colorado jurisdictions are actively adopting or tightening WUI requirements between 2024–2026, especially in designated WUI hazard zones and new construction areas.
Window Requirements
Modern WUI codes focus heavily on glass performance and ember resistance:
Typical requirements include:
- Dual-pane insulated glass units
- At least one pane of tempered glass
- Multi-layer glazing or fire-rated assemblies in higher-risk zones
Research shows that WUI standards often require:
- Tempered glass or multi-layer glazing
- Or a minimum 20-minute fire resistance rating
- Ember-resistant installation and sealing methods
Double-pane windows with at least one tempered pane significantly improve resistance to radiant heat and flame exposure.
Door Requirements
WUI door standards typically require:
- Noncombustible or fire-resistant door materials
- Solid core doors (typically 1 ¾” thick minimum)
- 20-minute fire protection rating OR approved ignition-resistant construction
- Tempered glazing for doors containing glass panels
Siding and Exterior Cladding Requirements
WUI siding must typically be:
- Noncombustible
- Ignition-resistant
- Tested for flame spread performance
Fiber cement and metal-based siding systems are widely used to meet ignition resistance and fire spread requirements in WUI zones.
Materials Commonly Accepted for WUI Compliance
Fire-Resistant Window Systems for Colorado WUI Zones
Windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during a wildfire event. Radiant heat from nearby flames can cause standard glass to crack or shatter, allowing embers and extreme heat to enter the home. Because of this, modern Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes place significant emphasis on upgraded window performance in moderate and high wildfire hazard zones.
In many Colorado WUI areas — particularly in Denver’s western suburbs and foothill communities — windows must meet enhanced standards such as:
- Dual-pane or multi-pane insulated glass units
- At least one pane of tempered glass (often required on the exterior pane)
- Heat-resistant framing materials
- Proper sealing and installation methods to prevent ember intrusion
Tempered glass is especially important because it is significantly stronger than standard annealed glass and is designed to withstand higher heat exposure. Multi-pane systems also create an additional thermal barrier that slows heat transfer and improves overall fire resistance.
Beyond the glass itself, proper installation is critical. Gaps, improper flashing, or poor sealing can allow embers to enter wall cavities — which is why WUI compliance is not just about the product, but also about correct installation practices.
At New Windows for America, we work with leading manufacturers that offer tempered and multi-pane window configurations designed to align with Colorado’s evolving wildfire resiliency standards. Our team helps homeowners select window packages appropriate for their specific jurisdiction and hazard classification.
For Denver Metro and foothill homeowners, choosing upgraded window systems today not only supports WUI compliance — it also improves energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability.
Fire-Resistant and Ignition-Resistant Siding & Door Systems
Exterior cladding and entry doors play a major role in preventing wildfire ignition. Wind-driven embers can travel miles ahead of an active fire and ignite combustible exterior materials. For this reason, modern WUI building codes focus heavily on ignition-resistant construction and flame spread performance.
Ignition-Resistant Siding
In many designated WUI zones across Colorado, exterior wall materials must be:
- Noncombustible or ignition-resistant
- Tested for flame spread performance
- Designed to resist direct flame contact and radiant heat exposure
Fiber cement siding and certain metal-based siding systems are commonly accepted in WUI applications because they are engineered to resist ignition and slow flame spread. These materials do not readily ignite when exposed to embers, making them a preferred choice in wildfire-prone areas.
In higher hazard classifications, siding materials may need to meet specific testing standards for fire exposure and heat resistance. Additionally, installation details — such as proper clearances and flashing — are often reviewed during permit inspections.
New Windows for America carries siding manufacturers that produce ignition-resistant exterior systems designed to meet or exceed WUI requirements in many Colorado jurisdictions. We guide homeowners through material selection based on local building code adoption and wildfire risk level.
Fire-Resistant Exterior Doors
Exterior doors are another critical component in wildfire protection. Doors that are hollow-core, poorly sealed, or made from combustible materials can allow heat and embers to enter the home.
In many WUI zones, exterior doors may be required to be:
- Solid-core construction
- Fiberglass or steel-clad
- At least 1 ¾ inches thick
- Equipped with tempered glazing if glass is present
- Rated for 20-minute fire resistance in higher-risk areas
Fire-rated or ignition-resistant doors are designed to slow heat transfer and maintain structural integrity during flame exposure. Proper weatherstripping and tight seals also reduce the risk of ember intrusion around door frames.
At New Windows for America, we work with manufacturers that offer fire-resistant and WUI-aligned door systems built to support Colorado’s wildfire building standards. Our team ensures that door upgrades are not only visually appealing and energy-efficient, but also aligned with safety and compliance expectations in Denver Metro and foothill communities.
Why Material Selection Matters in Denver & Foothill WUI Zones
For homeowners west of I-25, near open space, or in foothill-adjacent communities, wildfire-resistant construction is quickly becoming the new standard. Selecting ignition-resistant siding, tempered window systems, and fire-resistant exterior doors can:
- Improve compliance with evolving local building codes
- Support homeowner’s insurance eligibility
- Increase home resilience against ember-driven fires
- Protect long-term property value
New Windows for America remains committed to offering exterior products from trusted manufacturers that provide WUI-compliant options for Colorado homeowners. We stay current on local code updates and help guide customers through material selection, permitting considerations, and installation best practices.
What This Means for Denver Metro and Foothill WUI Zones
For homeowners in:
- West Denver suburbs
- Golden
- Morrison
- Evergreen
- Conifer
- Foothill-adjacent communities
Expect:
- More permit reviews tied to wildfire risk maps
- Increased requirements for tempered glass windows
- Greater emphasis on ignition-resistant exterior materials
- Possible retrofit requirements for major remodels
WUI code trends are moving toward home hardening, meaning the entire building envelope is evaluated for wildfire exposure risk.
To see if you live in a WUI Zone, click here for the Colorado’s Wildland-Urban Interface
How New Windows for America Stays WUI-Compliant
New Windows for America works with manufacturers that already engineer products for:
- Tempered and laminated glass options
- Multi-pane insulated glass units
- Fire-resistant door construction
- Ignition-resistant siding systems
Our installation practices also emphasize:
- Ember-resistant sealing methods
- Proper flashing and air sealing
- Code-compliant installation practices
- Local jurisdiction permit compliance
Why Acting Early Matters
Waiting until codes are fully enforced can create:
- Higher retrofit costs
- Limited material availability
- Insurance complications in wildfire zones
Proactively upgrading to WUI-aligned materials helps protect:
- Property value
- Insurance eligibility
- Long-term home safety
Final Thoughts
Colorado’s WUI code movement isn’t just about regulation — it’s about protecting homes, families, and communities from increasing wildfire threats. For Denver Metro and foothill homeowners, choosing fire-resistant siding, tempered glass windows, and fire-rated doors is quickly becoming the new standard.
New Windows for America is committed to helping homeowners navigate these changes with materials and installation practices designed for Colorado’s evolving building code environment.
Wildfire & WUI Building Code FAQs for Denver Metro and Foothill Homeowners
Common Questions About Colorado WUI Requirements
Colorado’s updated wildfire building codes impact siding, windows, and doors—especially in foothill and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Here are answers to common homeowner questions.
