Extreme heat and dry weather are two factors that contribute to millions of acres of American forest that are destroyed by wildfires every year. While the destruction of our natural habitat is a cause for great concern, of even greater concern, is the loss of life and property from any house fire.
Since the roof is such a large exposed area, it is the most vulnerable part of a building to blowing embers outside and to fires started inside the home.
A building protected with fire-resistant roofing tiles is the first line of defense against the ravages of both.
The Top 4 Causes of Roof Fires
1. Faulty Wiring
Bad wiring is one of the top causes of roof fires in America. Electrical fires are caused by improper wiring in outlets and fans in the attic, as well as faulty electrical connections in lighting fixtures and appliances.
2. Chimney Blockage
The purpose of the chimney is to carry smoke and excess heat away from your home. This is normally accomplished through the use of flue tiles that are connected together in such a way that heat and smoke from the fireplace do not escape until either reaches the top of the chimney. If you have broken flue tiles or an improperly designed chimney, heat and flames can escape into the attic causing a roof fire.
3. Dried Vegetation
There are highly flammable plants that are not dry but burn very well in their green state. The important issue is the selection of the right type of plants to place near your home and the specific distance they should be from your home. Some plants that are ornamental, include Jupiter, Leyland Cypress, Rosemary, Arborvitae, and Eucalyptus. These should be planted at least 30 feet away from the home. It should be obvious that dry leaves should not be allowed to pile up near a home as well, since dead branches and other materials might easily ignite.
4. Fire-Prone Roofing Materials
The most fire-prone of all roof coverings in the country are untreated wood shingles. In recent years, special chemical treatments have been created that will give a cedar shake roof a Class C fire rating. Cedar shake shingles can achieve a Class B or A fire rating, but it is accomplished by a costly treatment with fire retardant, which may affect the color of the shingles. Even with the best fire rating, there are still fire-prone areas in the country (particularly in the West) that do not allow wood shingles of any type to be used as a roof covering.
The Importance of Fire-Resistant Roofing
Did you know that house fires happen about every 93 seconds and three-quarters of all fire deaths are caused by fires in the home? Preventing fires should be of primary importance to every homeowner, and the primary area to focus on protecting is the roof. Fires that start in the wild can quickly gain enormous strength and the winds that are generated can blow sparks and burning embers for over a mile. The most vulnerable part of the house to embers is the roof since they have a large surface area to rest on.
How to Choose a Fire-Resistant Roofing Material
Class C vs. Class A
Roofing products with a Class A rating will last 2 to 4 hours before igniting. Class B roofing will last about one hour, while Class C shingles will only last about 20 minutes. A Class C fire rating is the minimum accepted by most building codes, but we do not recommend settling for the minimum when the best rating is easily obtained.
Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials
Clay/Concrete
Clay and concrete are naturally fire-resistant materials. Concrete is composed of limestone, clay, and gypsum, and is almost non-combustible. Clay and concrete tiles easily meet the Class B and A fire codes, but they can cause issues if not properly installed, due to the shape of the final roofing tile. Proper maintenance is required to ensure that openings in the tiles are sealed so that sparks do not reach the wood substructure of the roof and ignite. They are also extremely heavy and require substantial roof support to carry the additional weight. Their weight also increases the difficulty of installing and repairing the roof tiles.
Metal Roofing Shingles
Metal roofing is the lightest fire-resistant roofing product on the market, and it easily achieves a Class A fire rating. It is available in many colors and is an excellent choice for protection against wildfire damage. However, due to the thickness of metal roof panels, they will dent easily if care is not taken while walking on the roof or if heavy limbs or other objects hit them.
Fiberglass Asphalt
Fiberglass asphalt fire-rated shingles are the most common roof covering on the market today. They can last up to two hours in a fire before starting to flame and will usually be able to maintain a Class A fire rating. They do a great job of resisting fire, but they are very susceptible to high winds, exposure to rain and sun, and heavy impact weather events such as hail.
Slate
Slate is a beautiful and naturally fire-resistant material. It is extremely durable, but care must be taken when installing it to avoid excessive damage. Slate roof tiles, like concrete and clay, will require a considerable structural upgrade to ensure that your roof structure does not fail due to the added weight. Slate is also expensive to install and maintain.
Synthetic Composite Shingles
Are composite shingles fire-resistant? Yes! They are environmentally friendly, completely recyclable, available in multiple color and style options, and won’t require extra support for installation. Composite shingles are a great price-conscious option for those looking for beauty and fire protection.
The Best Fire-Resistant Roofing
The best option for your roof covering will combine the highest rated fire protection offered in the industry, a large selection of styles and colors that complement your taste, along with low maintenance requirements and easy installation. Brava composite roof tiles meet all of those requirements. We are a leader in the composite roofing industry, and our tiles have a 50-year limited warranty. We offer the best alternatives to heavy concrete, clay, and slate tiles with lightweight, precision manufactured, eco-friendly synthetic tiles that match the beauty and durability of natural products without the need for expensive roof structure enhancements or hard-to-find installers. Unlike some manufacturers that offer only one type of tile, Brava composite roof tiles are available in 3 different designs:
All 3 designs have a Class A fire rating.
Make the Right Choice to Protect Your Home
There are a lot of options to choose from when selecting a roof covering that will add beauty to your home and provide safe shelter. Brava composite roof tiles are the trusted choice for fire-resistant roof tiles across the U,S, and in Europe. The safety of your family and property is our first concern and we strive every day to produce a consistently excellent product. Contact us today for a free sample of our roof tiles and see how we can make your home safe and beautiful.
