This article provided by Watkins Construction & Roofing explains how to choose the right fire resistant roofing material.
Can You Have a Fireproof Roof?
Among its many vital functions, the roof of your home or business serves as the first line of defense against harsh elements. In addition, a beautiful roof helps enhance the curb appeal of your building and contributes to maintaining the integrity of the building.
Roofing materials can still melt or warp in extreme heat from a raging fire despite their non-flammability.
Fireproof vs. Fire-Resistant
While an utterly fireproof roof may not be realistic, it is possible to have a reliably fire-resistant roof. Your home, property, and most precious asset – the people covered by your roof – are better protected from fire with fire-resistant roofing materials. After establishing that a fireproof roof does not exist, let’s explore what makes a genuinely fire-resistant roof.
Roof Fire Rating Standards and Basics
The term roof fire-resistance refers to the effectiveness of roofing material in preventing fires from outside the roof structure. An overview of roof fire ratings is provided below:
- Class A Roofing
Class A roofs are the best choice because they last the longest before igniting, making them an excellent choice for any home. Metal, clay tiles, slate, asphalt glass fiber, composition shingles, and concrete tiles are examples of Class A-rated standalone coverings.
- Class B Roofing
Roofs classified as Class B perform well when exposed to moderate fire conditions. In order to qualify as a Class B roof, its exterior surface must last for at least an hour before igniting. Shakes and shingles that have been pressure-treated are two examples of roofing materials of the Class B category.
- Class C Roofing
Roofing with a Class C rating is only rated for light fire resistance; it only needs to stay lit for 20 minutes before igniting. Materials classified as Class C should not be used for applications where fire resistance is an issue. Class C roofing commonly uses Particleboard, plywood, and untreated wood shakes.
Unrated Roofing
- Unrated
roofing materials aren’t fire-resistant enough to qualify for a Class C rating. Roofing materials that are not rated should be avoided at all costs. Local building codes only allow unrated roofing materials in some places.
A Survey of Some Good, Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials
You have various roof sheathing options, all providing Class A fire protection. Here are a few examples:
Slate
Natural fire resistance, beauty, and durability are all characteristics of slate stone. Furthermore, slate is very resistant to weathering and can last very long. Slate has some drawbacks. To install it effectively, you’ll need specific knowledge and equipment. The material is weighty, and it’s also expensive.
Clay Tile
In addition to using non-combustible, natural materials, clay tiles are lighter than slate tiles. The use of rounded clay tiles is common in Spanish architecture and mission or Southwestern-style buildings. In order to maintain Class A fire protection, clay tile must be installed correctly to prevent fire embers from penetrating through gaps between the tile and the underlayment.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles are reliably weather-resistant, non-combustible, and often more cost-effective than other materials. Various colors, finishes, and shapes are also available for concrete tiles. When it comes to concrete, you have more customization options than slate or clay.
Asphalt Shingles
Despite being petroleum-based, asphalt shingles don’t mean you can’t withstand fire. Fiberglass-backed asphalt shingles provide decent fire protection when combined with a fire-resistant underlayment. Asphalt shingles are among the least expensive roofing materials on the market today. However, you must replace a shingle roof much sooner than other roofs.
Two More Fire-Resistant Materials That Are Even Better
Two other roofing materials are even more beneficial. Both of these materials provide Class A fire protection, and they also offer an impressive style, durability, and little ongoing maintenance:
- Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is non-flammable, lightweight, non-corrosive, and requires very little maintenance. The benefits of metal roofs include their long lifespan, effectiveness in shedding rain and snow, ability to dissipate lightning strikes, and ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. As well as covering roofs of any pitch, metal can be used on roofs with slopes ranging from very steep to very shallow.
- Synthetic Roofing
Synthetic or composition shingles come in a wide variety of colors and textures that mimic wood, asphalt, and natural tiles, and their highly reflective properties can help you save on cooling costs throughout the year. Many roof tiles, such as DaVinci Cool Roofs, have earned ENERGY STAR certifications. The material is very durable and comes with a 50-year warranty. They have also rated Class A for fire resistance!
Ready to Make Your Roof as Fire-Resistant as Possible? Call the Roofing Pros at Watkins!
In order to protect your home and family, you must choose the proper Class A roofing materials. Even the best materials can only guarantee success if they are installed correctly! You won’t find a better local roofing company than Watkins Construction & Roofing if you seek the highest-rated, most trusted roofing services in Mississippi!
Any roofing needs you may have, whether it’s residential or commercial, we can handle it. For more information, you can reach Watkins Construction & Roofing at 601-488-3179. We service areas in Jackson, Flowood, Clinton, and Ridgeland, MS.