When planning your roof replacement, realize no roofing material is completely fireproof, and selecting a material that is less combustible and less likely to catch fire is a smart move. As you choose materials for your new roof, avoid options that fuel fires and could potentially collapse into your home during a fire.
Read on to look at the fire resistance of a variety of roofing materials to consider for your next roof replacement, so you can make an educated decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Bolster Your Home’s Fire Resistance with New Roofing
Here are some of our favorite fire-resistant roofing material options for you to consider:
1. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing doesn’t fuel a fire, making it a superb fire-resistant material to consider. Metal isn’t combustible, and while it can potentially melt, not many fires are hot enough to cause that. Understand that there are a variety of metal roofing options, so if you choose this material, make sure the one you choose has a Class-A fire-resistance rating. While metal roofing is a more significant initial investment than other roofing materials, it pays off in the long run with its 40–70-year lifespan and minimal maintenance needs. A sustainable material, metal roofing comes in a variety of options: aluminum, copper, standing seam metal, stone-coated steel, metal tile, and metal slate roofing.
2. Fiberglass-Based Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles should withstand a couple of hours of flames before they ignite. CertainTeed asphalt shingles have a Class-A fire-resistance rating, making them a smart option. If you choose asphalt shingles, it’s important to also have a fire-resistant underlayment installed to add another barrier to protect your home. Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles don’t fuel fires, but if they warp under extreme heat, wood decking could be susceptible to fire damage.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof replacement option throughout the U.S. because they are so affordable, customizable, and simple to install. Some manufacturers offer asphalt shingles that mimic the look of wood or slate, without wood’s combustibility or slate’s high costs.
3. Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are both naturally fire-resistant and non-combustible. Clay tiles were used years ago to hinder the spread of fire, but they aren’t as durable as other material options. Enter concrete tiles! Today’s concrete roofing tiles mimic the look of clay tiles, but they last longer. Concrete’s resistance to flames makes them a smart choice if you’re looking to boost your home’s fire resistance. Make sure you get Class-A fire-rated concrete to ensure optimal results. Maintaining your clay or concrete tile roofing well by repairing any cracks that may occur over time is important to prevent fire from getting through to your roof deck.
4. Synthetic Composite Shingles
A synthetic composite roof shingle that is rated Class A is a good fire-resistant option to consider. This shingle choice is recyclable, environmentally friendly, and durable. They are cost-effective and come in a variety of colors and styles so you can achieve the optimal aesthetic for your home.
5. Slate Tiles
Slate is a type of rock, making it super fire-resistant. It won’t melt or warp in a fire and delivers a luxurious look to a home’s aesthetics. The challenge with slate roofing is that it is heavy, and therefore more difficult to install—making it a pricier roofing material. It is often used on luxury homes due to its elegant aesthetic.
For Optimal Fire Resistance, Focus on Every Element of Your Whole Roof System
Your roofing material options (mentioned above) are only part of your roofing system. To achieve a Class A rating for your whole roofing system, you’ll need to also ensure your underlayment, insulation, and roof deck meet specific fire resistance standards.
Roof Covering Materials
The outermost layer of your roof, which comes into contact with the elements, should be made of a Class A rated material such as metal or composite roofing for optimal fire resistance.
Underlayment
This vital layer offers added fire resistance to your roofing system. A fire-resistant underlayment is an essential ingredient in achieving a Class A rating for your whole roofing system.
Roof Deck
Your roof deck is the structural surface where your roofing materials are installed. It is usually made of plywood or OSB (engineered wood)—both of which can be treated for fire resistance. Untreated wood decking under roofing materials can be vulnerable to fires that start inside the home, but an external fire should only reach it if the material over it melts or warps.
Insulation
Insulation materials used to lower heat transfer and increase energy efficiency will also contribute to your roofing system’s fire resistance.
Flashing and Ventilation
Correctly installed flashing and fire-resistant vents help keep fire from entering your roofing system through gaps and joints.
Understand the Importance of Fire-Resistance Ratings
While Class B and C fire-resistant shingles exist, Class A fire-resistant shingles are the top choice for your home’s fire safety. Class A roofs are the most effective against severe fire exposure. They last the longest before igniting. Class A coverings include fiberglass-based asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, concrete tiles, and clay roofing.
Update Your Property with a Gorgeous New Roof that Boosts the Safety and Protection of Your Home
A weather-resistant roof that shields your home from damage and ensures your safety gives you peace of mind that you, your loved ones, and your property are well covered.
At Keeter Roofing & Remodeling, we offer a variety of fire-resistant roofing material options so you can get the custom solution you need for your home’s long-term needs. In addition to popular asphalt shingles, we offer composite roof shingles which deliver eye-catching colors and styles that mimic slate or wood while providing exceptional low maintenance and durability. Our metal roofing delivers sleek, modern, long-lasting protection along with weather resistance that safeguards your home from harsh storms. Discover how our roofing services can provide the style, durability, and protection your home needs for decades.
