You have just two minutes to escape to safety in a residential fire. Carbon monoxide (CO) is even more dangerous because it’s colorless and odorless—by the time you start having obvious symptoms like nausea or dizziness, you may already be too incapacitated to leave.
It sounds scary, but there’s a way to avoid this situation. Smoke and CO detectors give you more time to get to safety by detecting fires or high CO levels early, which can potentially save lives. The catch is that where you install them in your home can impact how well they work—or if they work at all.
In this guide, you’ll learn where to install both of these devices for maximum protection. We’ll also tell you why taking care of your roof can help lower the odds of a fire, and show you how our all-natural roof rejuvenation system can extend the lifespan of your shingles without making fires more likely.
The right answer is “as many as you need.” But what exactly does this mean?
Most experts agree that you should always have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home, but this is the bare minimum. You should do the same for CO detectors—but you’ll also need to make sure they’re in central locations and close to sleeping areas so that carbon monoxide can’t build up behind closed doors without triggering the alarm.
Smoke detectors should be placed in:
If you have any reason to question whether you should install a detector in a specific area, call your local firehouse. They’re usually more than happy to provide advice based on your needs
Smoke and heat rises, which is exactly why it’s best to mount detectors on the ceiling. If sloped surfaces, beams, tiles, or other obstructions make that impossible, install them on the nearest wall approximately 4 to 12 inches down from the ceiling instead.
Drafts and wind can prevent early detection by blowing away smoke and CO particles, so you should avoid placing detectors near a window, door, or vent. Just make sure you don’t install them in areas with restricted airflow, like pantries or crawl spaces—you want to put them where the air that’s already inside your home can freely circulate.
CO detectors should be placed in:
This might make it seem like you need to buy a lot of different devices—but you can use dual detectors in areas like bedrooms to keep the process more efficient. We’ll talk more about that soon.
Carbon monoxide mixes with the air, so placing detectors at eye level or higher is generally effective. If it’s easier to remember, just place them side-by-side with your smoke alarm on the wall—the suggested height is more or less the same.
Don’t install CO detectors in humid areas like the bathroom, sauna, or indoor/enclosed pool. Moisture can interfere with accuracy and may even lead to frequent false alarms.
Combination detectors have sensors for smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide. Only needing to worry about one device for total protection simplifies installation, but it also tends to be the more affordable choice when all is said and done. You’ll pay a little bit more for each one, but cut your overall costs.
For best results, place dual detectors wherever you would normally place smoke and CO detectors. This includes hallways near sleeping areas, main living areas, and at least one on each level.
The rules aren’t that different for very large homes or houses with special features. Place detectors on every level, including the basement and attic. If you have vaulted ceilings, the general recommendation is to install them at least 4 to 12 inches from the highest point—even if that’s much higher than a typical wall.
Both smoke and CO detectors can fail without warning or notice. That’s one repair job you don’t want to learn in the middle of a crisis, so follow these tips:
When in doubt, throw it out—and replace it with a new one. Always follow up fresh installs with another round of testing to make sure they aren’t defective.
Smoke and CO detectors need very little maintenance throughout the year. For best results, you should lightly vacuum or dust each detector every six months or so to remove debris that can obstruct the sensors. If it’s easier, make it a part of your weekly cleaning schedule instead—it only takes a second!
The connection between roof maintenance and fire safety is much stronger than many homeowners realize. Asphalt shingle roofs are particularly prone to drying out as they age, which can cause them to crack, break, or even become a fire hazard. Damaged roofing can expose wiring to the elements, increasing the risk of sparks if water from leaks makes contact with electricity.
Keeping your asphalt shingles in good condition lowers the risk of hazards like these and helps you avoid expensive repair jobs. Roof Maxx helps roll back the clock on aging shingles by making them flexible again—so they reinforce the integrity of your entire roofing system. It might even help you keep your home insurance policy or let you secure better rates in the future!
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in bedrooms and/or near sleeping areas, on every level of your home, and near high-risk areas like garage entrances and kitchens. Simple steps like keeping detectors in good condition ensure they’ll chirp when you need them to, so everyone in your home can sleep well knowing they’re safe.
Use this guide to assess your current detectors and identify where you have room for improvement, but consider making Roof Maxx part of your total home protection strategy, too. If you have an asphalt shingle roof and you’ve been putting off roof care, it’s an affordable way to get back on track and ward off early roof replacement. Connect with a dealer in your area for a quote.
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
Roof Maxx Technologies LLC
