Wildfires raged around the Pacific Northwest in recent months. Many homes or businesses were destroyed. Because of this, many people are more aware of the importance of fire safety considerations in their homes. Specifically, a metal roof fire rating.
Fires can start anywhere — outside the perimeter of your home or inside from one small thing. So when you are thinking about ways to protect your home from fires, your roof should be considered, too.
Wood or tile roofs are common for homes. Unfortunately, they don’t have the fire-resistance capabilities that metal roofing does. It only takes one ember to turn into a devastating fire that wreaks havoc on your roof, and ultimately, your home.
Metal Roof Fire Rating
Fire ratings for roofs follow the Class A rating, Class B, Class C fire resistance rating systems. Roofing materials must all meet stringent building codes for roof assemblies. Class A roof coverings can be tested for their ability to act as fire retardants to prevent flame spread and extensive fire exposure to both building materials and roof types (composition shingles, shake roofing, metal roofing systems, etc.).
To put it simply: When it comes to Class A fire-rated and fire-resistant roofs, then aluminum may just be the best overall choice.
Advantages of Metal Roofs
- Noncombustible
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Built to last for decades
- Lightweight
- Resistant to the elements, including snow and ice
- Environmentally friendly
In addition to the bullet points above, there are other advantages to metal roofing as it pertains to fire and fire ratings. For example, unlike metal roofs, firefighters often will not be able to work on a tile-roofed area in the event of a fire, because there is a risk that the whole roof could cave in if they stand on it.
Metal roof fire ratings are among the best in the roofing industry due to the very nature of the materials used in their production. Metal roofs are truly fire-resistant. They’re manufactured to last, and they offer Class A fire protection.
Of course, it will be important to check the roof from time to time to make sure no debris or twigs or branches have fallen on the roof. It’s also crucial to double-check that no birds or other animals have built nests under the eaves or elsewhere. This material is, naturally, not fire-resistant.
So while the roof itself may resist fire, flames can catch on debris and blow elsewhere, causing fires to begin to rage out of control. As the National Fire Protection Association writes, “Plugging these openings between the roof covering and the roof deck, is commonly called ‘bird stopping.’ Regularly inspect and maintain these areas.”
Additional Benefits of a Metal Roof
Plus, metal roofs are the best at withstanding weather extremes. That means you will rest securely knowing that your roof is doing its part in keeping you and your family safe.
Finally, metal roofs are definitely an environmentally friendly option. The aluminum used in metal roofing products consists of 95% recycled material, which means there is less waste in landfills. In addition, the shingles reflect radiant heat, which gives you the opportunity to use less energy and save money on your utility bills through the year — up to 30% on cooling costs!
If you are thinking about a metal roof for your home, don’t delay. Our experts at Mountaintop Metal Roofing can install your new roof over existing material. We are also happy to answer any additional questions you may have about a metal roof fire rating, its safety features, and other benefits of aluminum roofs. So contact us today for details or for a free quote.