A fireproof roof can be the difference between losing and saving your home.
If you live in a region where wildfires are a threat, selecting your roofing materials is not a task you should take lightly.
Building code regulates which materials are best fitted for homes located in fire-prone regions. The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home’s structure, due to its exposure to wind-blown embers. Even if a wildfire doesn’t reach your neighborhood, a gust could lead to a spark, and that’s all it takes for to ignite a roof.
Manufacturers create and utilize different materials to offer various protections.
Opt for Class A Asphalt Shingles
When it comes to traditional asphalt shingles, all products are divided into classes according to their fire resistance. Class A is the best.
Typically, shingles categorized in class A are composed of fiberglass, which helps to create a fireproof roof. Class C usually contains shingles made of wood, one of the materials least likely to retard fire.
If you live in a dry climate, it’s only smart to limit your choice of roofing shingles to those that fall into class A. Class A shingles can resist fire in the underlying structure for up to two hours, giving your home a chance at being saved.
Could Slate Have the Answers?
One of the best materials available is slate, a natural stone that’s unyielding to fire. It simply will not burn. While slate is the top-tier option when building a fireproof roof, it comes with a higher price to install than shingles. Contractors also must be specifically trained in how to install slate roofing, and they must be able to assess the roof’s structural integrity and its ability to hold slate tile, which is a heavier material.
Even though it’s more expensive, slate gives peace of mind to the homeowner who can finally rest easy because their home has a fireproof roof. You may even get an insurance discount if you use slate.
What Can You Do to Improve Fire Protection?
Besides replacing your current roof with one of these two options, you can take additional steps to increase your home’s protection against fire. You can trim back overhanging branches and clean out your gutters on a regular basis. Don’t let dry branches, leaves or debris come near your home — that increases the risk of fire spreading to your roof.
Talk to the Roof Doctor about what else you can do protect your home. Get a free estimate and rely on our trained, expert team to help you build a fireproof roof that keeps you and your family safe for decades to come.