Fireproof Shingles?
A commonly underthought aspect to roofing is the fire resistance of what we are putting up there. In some places prone to wildfires, this thought may weigh much more. We tend to forget that things like lightning strikes, fireworks, and chimney related fires can pose a threat to any home no matter the location. Shingle manufacturers today definitely put thought into roof fires. We have found that some of the older and more primitive ways of roofing defend best against the element of fire.
There is a common understanding that eighty percent of roofs in the USA today have some style of asphalt shingle. Fiberglass infused asphalt shingles have the highest fire resistance in this category with a class A burn rating. Although these shingles have a high burn rating, it seems that the older more natural roofing techniques seem to make more sense for fire resistance when it comes to your roof.
Clay and slate roofing are probably the leader of the pack when it comes to roofing with fire resistance in mind. Clay roof tiles have a natural quality of dispersing heat extremely well. It takes longer for a clay tile to ignite than any other means of roofing material. Slate is another material that is highly recommended. Both styles of roofing require highly skilled installers and can be expensive compared to asphalt shingles. Although expensive, longevity and fire resistance may be at the forefront of your mind.
All of these roofing materials are non-combustible and help slow down the spread of a fire. We understand that fire can spark from other elements of the home but with the right roofing, it may prevent some unneeded damages. Another neat product on the rise is the use of volcanic rock infused shingles. These have been in development and the benefits are controversial.
When looking to select the best roofing product to satisfy your needs, be sure to look up a local roofer in your area to explain your options and leave you with a free estimate. Fires are a nasty thing, lets protect from the spread in any ways we can
