Almost 4 in 10 properties in the state of Florida face some risk of wildfire, according to First Street Foundation. This makes Florida the third most fire-prone state in the country, only behind California and Texas. While fire education and safety have become more popular, climate change continues to dry out vegetation which only intensifies and increases the frequency of fires. In fact, about 26 million homes have some risk of a potential wildfire, which is a greater number than in years past.
All this is to say that fire prevention is more important than ever. And where you can start is by constructing a home that’s fire-resistant to keep you, your family, and your house safe in case disaster strikes. With over 35 years of experience, the AWS Roofing team is here to provide insight into the best roofing materials that are fire-resistant.
What Is a Fire Retardant Roof?
Most people might not realize it, but your roof plays a crucial role in your home’s structural integrity. Yet, a roof has such a large surface area that makes it incredibly vulnerable to fire. Heat rises, which will eventually target the roof, and burning embers can settle on rooftops from the serious wind.
A fire retardant roof prevents fire from spreading. This includes the whole roofing system, such as the deck, insulation, underlayment, and incline. With the entire system fire-resistant, your roof will prevent ignition and slow—or completely stop—the spread of fire to the rest of the house.
Best Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials
When it comes to choosing safe materials for your roof, you have several options. The most common and best are metal and CeDUR. These combine Class A fire resistance with style, durability, and low maintenance. Metal won’t corrode, is lightweight, and is non-combustible. On top of that, metal is heat reflective and meets efficiency requirements. CeDUR is a newer synthetic option that replicates the look of natural cedar. These tiles self-extinguish and minimize heat transfer.
Other roofing choices that aren’t as great as metal and CeDUR include slate, clay tile, concrete tiles, and asphalt shingles. Slate is a natural stone, so it’s non-combustible. Plus, it has a beautiful look that’s incredibly durable. Clay tile requires a little extra upkeep to make it optimal for fire protection. Specifically, the barrel-shaped tiles need their gaps to be plugged between the underlayment and sheathing. Concrete tiles come in many colors, so you get your own aesthetic choice over your roof. But, these tiles need to be installed correctly to be extremely effective for fire resistance. Finally, asphalt shingles are a more affordable option, but they require some upkeep. Asphalt shingles need a fire-resistant underlayment to be a full fire-retardant roof.
What Class of Roofing Material Is the Most Heat Resistant?
There are four fire ratings for roofs: Class A, Class B, Class C, and unrated. Class A roofing material is the most heat resistant. These examples include the ones mentioned above if they’re all installed correctly. An unrated fire safety roof is an untreated wood shake roof, for example.
Other Fire Safety Tips for Your Roof
On top of installing a fire retardant roof, there are a few more things you can do to reduce the risk of fire. The best and most proactive measure is continual, simple roof maintenance. Having someone inspect your roof periodically goes a long way. Look for gaps in the tiles where embers could end up. See if any shingles have fallen away or damaged areas. Reducing clutter, like leaves, pine needles, or branches, from your gutters or rooftop will eliminate kindling that can spark a fire.
Get Roof Help with AWS Roofing. Contact Us for a Quote
If you want to ensure that your roof is up to the best fire safety standards, then contact AWS Roofing for a free quote. We can inspect your roof, provide our expert advice, and make your roof even safer.
Or, if you’re looking to improve your roof for any other reason, we’re still your go-to roofing team. After all, a new roof will increase your property value or save you money in the long term. Get in touch with us to learn more.
About AWS Roofing
AWS Roofing is a family-owned and operating roofing business. We’re proud to have been serving all of our clients with integrity and craftsmanship since 1987. Learn more about why we’re a roofing company you can get behind, or browse our blog for roofing tips and tricks.
