Having a fire-resistant roof is beneficial for any homeowner. You don’t have to live in an area prone to wildfires to benefit, as any house could be at risk anytime. Fires are unpredictable and can cause serious damage. Installation of a fire-resistant roof is one of the best ways to protect your home.
Fire Resistant Roofing for HOAs
Entire neighborhoods can be destroyed through fire as it jumps from house to house along a street. This is especially common as a result of wooden shakes being predominately used for roofing. Wooden shakes can be treated with fire-proofing materials but as the wood ages, they become more vulnerable to fire. Metal, slate and concrete tiles are 100% non-combustible over the entire lifespan of the materials. Slate is indestructible but expensive to install. Installation requires a specialized roofer and you need additional braces or beams in place to support the extra weight.
Concrete or clay tiles are also fire resistant and can be designed to fit unique styles such as Southwestern or Spanish.
Metal roofing proves to be the best in fire-resistant roofing. The reason metal roofing is preferred is that tiles can become exceptionally heavy and should a fire start, the roof is more likely to collapse under excessive weight. Metal roofing is fire-resistant and much lighter at 40-90 pounds instead of 1000-1400 pounds (tiles). The additional weight of concrete and slate make them potential hazards for roofing in the event of a fire. The resistance to fire of roofing materials is rated based on a series of tests that are defined by a fire rating.
- Class A materials can withstand extreme fire exposure and have the highest rating for fire-resistant materials. Common Class A materials are metal, concrete, clay, fiberglass asphalt, and shingles.
- Class B materials can withstand moderate exposure to fire but there are a number of communities that ban the use of Class B.
- Class C materials will only survive light fire damage and include Wood shakes, particleboard, and plywood.
Final Thoughts
Class A materials are rated based on their ability to resist fire in testing situations. These materials allow the fire to spread two feet less than either Class B or C materials as they are non-combustible materials. Insurance companies also offer a discount for use of Class A materials with steel (metal) roofing often getting the highest approval ratings. We will be able to find the right option to match your style and budget. Please contact us today to discuss the options available for fire-resistant roofing. We will make sure you have a safe and reliable Class A roof so you are best prepared for any fire that may come your way.
