Flame Resistant Roofing

Ember resistant vents are adrressed in chapter 7a of the california building code.

Flame resistant roofing.

Class a is the most fire resistant and should be the choice of anyone living in wildfire prone areas. How fire resistant is your current roof. Versashield fire resistant roof deck protection is a key part of the gaf lifetime roofing system 1 and has earned the good housekeeping seal. 50 to 100 per square enough shingles to cover 100 square feet installed.

As seen on this old house vulcan vents are designed to be fire and ember safe. Versashield fire resistant roof deck protection provides the very best fire protection. An unrated roof is the most vulnerable the most common example of an unrated roof covering is one made using non fire retardant treated wood shakes or shingles. Classic metal roofing systems the leader in producing fire safe roofing for residential applications manufactures products that are 1 20 the weight of most tile products and eligible for class a b or c fire ratings as determined by roof preparation.

When a wildfire nears and the vent reaches the critical temperature the intumescent coating on the matrix structure expands creating an insulating barrier from fire and embers. The importance of ember and flame entry into vents during wildfires has resulted in the development of commercially available vents designed to resist the intrusion of embers and flame and recomendations for new or retrofit vents to protect existing openings. The class a rated centennial slate shingle from certainteed boasts the affordability of an asphalt shingle and the luxe look of natural slate. Metal tiles are made of a material that does not ignite when on fire with a fire resistant barrier with a class a protection.

In some jurisdictions roof assemblies are required to be fire resistant. An exterior fire retardant treated shake roof has a stand alone class b rating. The benefit of metal tiles is that they are non corrosive and sit strong on houses with a steep slope. Metal is a safe and environmentally responsible choice for a fire resistant roof.

As many people know wood is fuel for a fire despite the fact that it is a valuable and reliable roofing material. While architects and homeowners are working together to build flame resistant homes experts agree one of the best ways to slow an inferno in its tracks is landscaping. Most metal roofs are made of steel copper zinc and alloys that are best for the dry environment in nevada. An ember catching screen blocks dangerous embers during ember attacks long before the fire arrives.

If you have one of these roofing types you might want to look into replacing the roofing material for a more fire resistant option. The fiberglass based variety also offers excellent fire resistance when installed with fire code compliant underlayments. But by including a particular underlying material it can meet the requirements for a class a roof. Wood shake plywood or particle board roof are the most common roofing types listed as class c.