With nearly 65,000 wildfires reported across the U.S. in 2024 and over 8 million acres burned—including thousands of homes and structures—the need for fire-resistant building materials has never been clearer. One of the most effective ways to protect your property is by starting at the top: your roof.
Fire-resistant shingles provide a critical layer of defense, helping to slow the spread of flames and minimize damage. In this article, we’ll break down the best fire-resistant roofing options, explain how they’re rated, and help you choose the right type for your home’s safety and style. Why is Fire-Resistant Roofing Important?
Wildfires are destructive by nature, occurring for any number of reasons: fireworks, discarded cigarettes, burning things outside, and arson are just some of the human causes, but there are also natural causes like lightning and spontaneous combustion. It only takes a single spark for a fire to start, and the wrong materials, combined with dry conditions, can make it grow and spread quickly.
These fires consume everything in their path, causing massive destruction. Fire resistant roof shingles provide protection from external flames, reducing the risk of your home catching fire and slowing its spread. They will help to prevent costly property damage and give you the peace of mind that your home is better protected than it would be with other materials.
Fire Resistant Roof Ratings
Fire resistant shingles undergo thorough testing before being given a rating from A to C. These materials are tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790, the Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings. Testing involves three tests: the Burning Brand Test, the Spread of Flame Test, and the Intermittent Flame Test.
Burning Brand Test: This test simulates burning debris that may land on a roof. In the test, a piece of burning word (a "brand") is put on the roofing material to see if it catches fire or burns through. If the material is fire resistant, it will not ignite or at least contain the fire without spreading.
Spread Flame Test: The test shows how fast and far a fire's flames spread over the material's surface. To be rated as fire-resistant, the material should stop or slow the spread of flames.
Intermittent Flame Test: In this test, the material is intermittently exposed to a flame, with the goal of seeing if it catches fire and continues burning even after the flame is removed. Fire resistant shingles will either self-extinguish or resist ignition altogether.
Class A Fire Rating
Class A ratings are the highest rating roofing products can receive and one of the most desirable. In states like California, which are prone to wildfires, it is also a requirement in specific areas of the state. To earn the distinction of Class A fire resistant shingles, products must:
Have a flame spread of six feet or less.
Withstand 2 to 4 hours of fire exposure before igniting.
Support a burning brand of 12"x12" and 4.4lbs without losing integrity.
Resist a gas flame turning on and off for at least 15 cycles.
Class B Fire Ratings
A Class B Rating can withstand moderate fire exposure. A B rating is achieved when:
The material has a flame spread of no more than eight feet.
Can withstand fire exposure for at least an hour before igniting.
Support a burning brand of 6"x6" and 1.1 lbs without losing integrity.
Resist a flame for at minimum eight cycles
Class C Fire Ratings
A Class C rating is the lowest rating and provides minimal protection. Products that meet Class C rating meet the following criteria:
Have a flame spread of no more than 13 feet.
Withstanding 20 minutes of fire exposure before ignition.
Support a burning brand of 1.5"x1.5" and 5 grams without losing integrity.
Resist a flame for at least three cycles.
Fire Resistant Roofing Materials
When it comes to roof shingles, fire resistant options are numerous. Here are the top options, in no particular order:
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
With asphalt shingles, fire resistant ratings vary depending on the type. Fiberglass shingles are the best choice for the highest ratings on a budget, generally earning a Class A rating, whereas organic asphalt shingles can range from Class B to Class C. However, while they do well against fire, they are susceptible to wind, rain, sun, and impact damage.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the lightest materials you can get and is another Class A fire-resistant option. It is available in many colors and styles, including fire resistant shingles, which can be easier to install. However, the durability of metal can vary depending on the thickness, with thinner metals denting more easily.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
Concrete and clay are both naturally fire resistant roof shingles, meeting class A and B fire ratings. While they are fire-resistant and durable, they are expensive and can cause a lot of issues if installed improperly. They also require a lot of maintenance, and the substantial weight of the material makes them more difficult to install and require more structural support.
Slate
Slate is another natural material that is highly durable and offers Class A fire resistance. Like clay and concrete, it is extremely heavy and requires substantial support and care during installation.
Fiberglass Mat Shingles
Fiberglass mat roof shingles are fire resistant due to the fiberglass backing and granule coating, much like non-mat fiberglass shingles. These mats are geared more toward low-sloping or flat roofs.
Are Composition Shingles Fire Resistant?
Composition shingles go by many names, including composite and synthetic shingles. They all refer to the same type of product: shingles made of recycled materials, including rubber and plastic. Regardless of what you call them, the question remains the same: are composition shingles fire resistant? The quick answer is yes, though it varies depending on the quality of the material.
Class A Fire Resistance With Brava
Brava Roofing Tile is one of the top composite shingle brands on the market, producing high-quality roofing tiles made from 100% recycled plastics molded to mimic the appearance of classic materials like Spanish barrel tiles, slate, and cedar shakes. To go with the three tile styles, the tiles also come in a variety of color options, with pigments mixed into the forms as they are manufactured, creating durable, long-lasting color that resists fading, chipping, and cracking over time.
Based on third-party testing, Brava tiles can achieve wind resistance between 188 mph and 211 mph, depending on the installation method, Class 4 impact resistance, and, most of all, Class A fire resistance.
Aside from being Class A fire resistant shingles, Brava also boasts energy efficiency benefits. The tiles are insulating, which helps minimize heat loss and keep indoor temperatures comfortable all year, lowering heating and cooling costs. There are also Cool Roof color options, which provide heat-reflecting properties that keep homes cooler, making them ideal for hot climates.
Protecting Your Home With Fire-Rated Shingles
Fires are becoming more common, ravaging acres upon acres of land and destroying thousands of properties. While some types of fires cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to protect your property from potential fire damage. Many building materials offer fire protection for your home, including your roof. Even with asphalt shingles, fire resistant properties are possible, allowing people on a budget to protect their homes. However, there are better options, including Brava tiles, which offer Class A fire ratings and more in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and style.
Contact Brava today to learn more about how Brava is the best option for fire proof roofing.
