What is the Best Roof for Fire

What to look for in a fire-resistant roof.

Class A

Class A roofing materials have proven themselves effective against the most severe fire testing. They provide the best protection against flame penetration as stand-alone roofing products with excellent resistance to surface flame spread without the need for chemical treatments or additional underlying roofing materials.

Class B

Class B roofing materials have proven themselves effective against moderate fire exposure. Some roofing materials may be infused with fire-retardant chemicals to meet Class B requirements.

Class C

Class C roofing materials have proven themselves effective against light fire exposure only. Class C materials include reconstituted wood products and untreated wood shakes.

Unrated

Unrated roofing materials are unable to meet any of the above classifications and would not be recommended for homes in fire-prone areas.

How common roofing materials perform against fire.

When it comes to fire, not all roofing materials are created equal. In addition to looking for a Class A-rated roofing material, consider the pros and cons of common roofing materials when searching for the best roof for fire.

Asphalt Shingles

Many asphalt shingle products come with a Class A fire rating. However, as a petroleum-based product, asphalt is extremely flammable. To achieve a Class A fire rating, asphalt shingles are coated with granules that give them surface-level fire resistance. If flames come in contact with the underlying asphalt, it’s more likely to catch on fire than a non-combustible roofing material, such as metal.

Clay Tiles

While clay tiles are fireproof, the curved shape of tile can create voids between the roofing material and the underlying roof deck. Bird nests, debris, twigs or dry leaves can accumulate in the voids beneath tiles, creating the perfect kindling for flying embers.

Wood Shake or Wood Shingles

Most wood shake or wood shingle roofs need to be treated with fire retardant and are not recommended for fire-prone regions. Similar to clay tile roofs, wood shake and shingle roofs can accumulate debris in the gaps and voids of cupped shingles and warped wood shake roofs. Builders in fire-prone regions are using more metal roofing products rather than traditional wood products for this reason.”

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is considered one of the best roofs for fire. SANGOBUILD Metal Roofing products, for example, are made from non-combustible stone-coated steel and achieve the highest Class A material rating for fire. Additionally, the protective interlocking panel system of SANGOBUILD stone-coated metal roofs greatly reduces the risk of the roof deck and framing igniting from flying embers.

Fire prevention tips to protect your home.

It’s important to note that Class A, B and C fire test ratings are for external fire resistance–they have no direct bearing on how a roof will withstand a fire that occurs inside of a building.

While a Class A-rated roof is critical for withstanding fire, there are other property conditions that homeowners should consider to protect their home.

Clean your roof regularly.

Regularly clear any leaves, bird nests or debris from your roof and gutters. Hardy Selo of Property Guru adds that “homeowners in fire-prone regions can benefit from securing vent openings with protective screens and closures to prevent burning debris or embers from entering the home.”

Clean your chimney at least once per year.

Debris from frequently-used fireplaces, known as creosote, can accumulate in the chimney. Creosote is extremely flammable, so it’s important to have your chimney cleaned annually if you use your fireplace often.

Check the electrical wiring in your attic.

Electrical wiring is one of the top 3 causes of attic fires. If your home is older or you’re noticing flickering light bulbs or electrical switches that suddenly stop working, you may have faulty wiring that can create sparks in the attic that quickly turn to flames. If you suspect an issue with the electrical wiring in your attic, contact an electrician immediately.