The roof is the part of your home that’s most prone to catching fire, with strong winds carrying embers could reach your roof well before the wildfires do. This is the main reason why most local building codes require homeowners to install fire-resistant roofing shingles.
Fire Rating Classifications
There are four classes of fire-resistant shingles: A, B, C, and unrated. Here’s a quick overview:
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Class A – Class A shingles have the highest fire resistance and are the least flammable, making them the best choice for homes in fire-prone areas.
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Class B – Class B shingles can withstand moderate fires with a maximum flame spread of 8 feet.
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Class C – Class C shingles provide minimal protection against fires. Untreated wood shakes and shingles usually fall under this category.
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Unrated – It’s best to avoid using unrated shingles. The absence of a fire rating indicates the shingles didn’t even meet the requirements for a Class C fire rating, the lowest rating for fire resistance shingles can get.
Popular Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials
What are the most popular fire-resistant residential roofing materials?
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Asphalt shingles – Asphalt shingles, which also happen to be the most popular roofing material in Northern America, are durable and affordable. In terms of fire resistance, Class A shingles can withstand exposure to fires for about two hours.
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Metal roofing – Metal roofing panels have exceptional durability and fire-resistance. However, the kind of underlayment that’s installed under metal roofing systems can affect their fire rating.
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Clay tiles – Clay tiles are naturally resistant to heat, but their significant weight load—which would require you to reinforce your home’s structure—makes them an impractical choice.
Looking for roofers near you?
Roofer Chicks® offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including roof repair and replacement services. To request a free estimate, call us at (830) 627-7663 or fill out this form. Talk to us today! We serve homeowners in New Braunfels, TX, as well as the surrounding communities.