This LA couple's home with fire-resistant features is standing tall amid the Pacific Palisades rubble — here are 5 key things they installed to protect their property

Fiber cement siding

Kovac and Maher listed the use of fiber cement siding as one reason their home survived. Fiber cement siding is made of cellulose fibers mixed with cement and sand. It's durable and extremely resistant when it comes to spreading flames. Prices vary depending on exactly what siding product is purchased.

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Fortified roof

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has suggested fortifying your roof and constructing it out of fire-resistant materials as two crucial steps to preventing fire damage.

"The roof is the most at-risk in a wildfire because of its size and orientation," the agency warns.

That's perhaps why Kovac and Maher installed a "high-performance commercial Class-A roof" as part of their home protection system. These roofs can be made using many fire-resistent materials.

Green roof

A green roof was also on Kovac and Maher's list of fire-resistant steps they took. These are roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation and the necessary supporting infrastructure.

There are different kinds of green roofs, but they typically have multiple layers, including structural decking, waterproofing material, drainage, irrigation, soil and vegetation. A well-designed and regularly maintained green roof may be effective against fires. Installation costs can vary depending on size and complexity.

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Commercial glazing

The couple also installed commercial glazing — insulated glass that Kovac said "prevents radiating heat from going through the windows and igniting the house from within." The cost of glazing can vary depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the project.

Fire retardant system

Finally, Kovac and Maher installed a fire retardant system they were able to call and activate to help save their home.

"On the back of the house, we were always concerned a fire would approach, which it did, from the bottom of the hill up," Kovac said.

Costs can vary by system.

Alternative measures

Even if you're not building a home from scratch or aren't able to refit your current dwelling, FEMA has previously suggested some simple and cost-effective solutions that homeowners can apply to protect their property. These include:

• Covering exterior attic vents with wire mesh to keep embers out
• Removing flammable vegetation and combustible materials within 30 feet of a home
• Keeping roofs and gutters free of debris
• Installing external sprinkler systems with their own water tank and power source
• Using fireproof shutters

Implementing any fire-prevention techniques you can afford may be a good idea if you live in a fire-prone area. Hopefully your efforts will pay off and any potential damage will be limited.