Your roof—your home’s first line of defense against the elements—is vulnerable to fire damage. That’s because wind-driven embers can reach your roof well before wildfires do. To lower the risk of fire damage, building codes require homeowners to install fire-rated roofing materials.
Hinkle Roofing, your go-to company for replacement windows and roofing shingles, elaborates further below:
What Are the Different Fire Rating Classifications?
- Class A – Class A roofing shingles have the highest fire resistance and are highly recommended for homes in wildfire-prone areas.
- Class B – Class B roofing shingles are able to withstand moderate fires with a maximum flame spread of 8 feet.
- Class C – Class C roofing shingles provide the bare minimum protection against fire damage.
- Unrated – It’s best to avoid using unrated roofing shingles. That’s because they weren’t able to meet the requirements for the lowest fire classification rating.
What Are the Most Commonly Used Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials?
- Asphalt shingles – Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the country. They’re durable, cost-effective and (if they have a Class A rating) resistant to fire. In general, Class A shingles should be able to withstand fire exposure for about two hours.
- Metal roofing panels – Non-combustible metal roofing panels are highly resistant to fire damage and are known for their exceptional durability.
- Slate roofing – When it comes to durability and fire resistance, few roofing materials come close to slate roofing. Slate roofs are naturally resistant to fire (and mold) and can last at least 100 years. They also have excellent insulative capabilities (which can help lower your utility bills) and can add a refined look to any exterior (which can boost your home’s curb appeal).
To learn more about your roofing options, consult one of the local roofing contractors near me.
Looking for experienced roofing contractors near you?
Look up “roofers near me” and give Hinkle Roofing a call at (205) 324-8545 or fill out this form. We’re one of the most experienced contractors in the Birmingham area, having served local residents since 1908.