Are Your Asphalt Roofing Shingles Fireproof? Here&#;s How to Tell
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Most asphalt shingles have a Class A fire-resistance rating. However, this doesn&#;t mean that all asphalt shingles are the same.
Here&#;s what you need to know about fire resistance ratings to be more informed when selecting a roofing contractor for your roof replacement.
The majority of asphalt shingles fall under Class A. These shingles provide a high level of fire protection to the roof deck. Class A shingles are considered fully fire-resistant, offering robust defense against the spread of flames.
Class B shingles provide a moderate degree of fire protection to the roof deck. While not as fire-resistant as Class A, these shingles still contribute significantly to reducing the risk of fire damage.
The lowest category, Class C shingles, offers a slight degree of fire protection to the roof deck. While providing some resistance, Class C shingles have a lower level of fire protection compared to Class A and Class B.
Understanding these classifications is crucial when choosing roofing materials, especially in areas where fire resistance is a key consideration. Class A shingles, in particular, are recommended for enhanced protection against the potential impact of fire on your roof.
How can you use this information to pick out a roofing contractor for your roof replacement?
For one thing, you&#;ll know the answer you should receive when asking for fire-resistant roofing materials. If the company doesn&#;t promise a Class A asphalt shingle, you&#;ll know to take your business elsewhere &#; especially if you live in a fire-prone area.
However, just because a roofing company uses shingles with a Class A fire rating doesn&#;t mean that this is the best shingle on the market for durability, wind resistance, and algae resistance. You want a contractor that can promise a fire-resistant roof and one that will stand up to your area&#;s weather. This will dramatically lower the chances of an emergency roofing situation, such as flooding.
At a minimum, you need to choose fire-resistant shingles for your roofing job. But, here are some additional asphalt shingles questions you should consider asking:
For comparison purposes, asphalt shingles installed with an Owens Corning sealant will withstand winds up to 130 mph.
Owens Corning blends copper-lined granules with their shingles to help fight against algae growth.
The Owens Corning roofing system is designed to protect the structure of your home from becoming water damaged. Unlike other roof systems, adhesive strips keep the whole roof watertight.
Those living in sunny areas should be aware that there are products on the market that can reduce the effect of the sun&#;s rays.
As you can see, there are a lot of questions to ask when selecting the best roofing materials for your asphalt roof replacement job. However, you also need to take great care when choosing a roofing contractor, preferably one with years of experience installing fireproof asphalt roofing shingles.
AmeriPro is proud to have been recognized as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor for the last 9 years! We&#;ve partnered with the global leader for roofing shingle replacement, gutters, and siding services. Of course, we use fire-resistant roofing material. Additionally, Owens Corning shingles are also wind-resistant and algae resistant and can help keep your home cooler during the summer.
If you are looking for the best fireproof roofing materials, fill out the contact form on our website to request your free roof inspection today.
California&#;s wildfire season is just around the corner, and many building owners are wondering if their commercial roof will protect their building from fire.
Class A ratings are obtained when material survives a severe fire test. Class B ratings are awarded after successfully withstanding moderate fire exposure and Class C demonstrates survivability of only the lightest fire test.
Want more information on fireproof roof materials? Feel free to contact us.
The International Building Code (IBC), states that all roof coverings are required to be tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790.
According to Carlisle Syntec:
The Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, UL 790 (ASTM E108), includes three key tests to provide fire classification of roof covering materials and systems. These are the Spread of Flame Test, Intermittent Flame Test, and Burning Brand Test. During the Burning Brand Test, heat is transferred directly through the roof covering (single-ply, BUR, shingles, etc.) as well as the other roof components (insulation, underlayments, etc.), which protect the roof deck.
In most Burning Brand Tests conducted over a combustible deck (3/8- or 15/32- inch plywood), the roof components play a significant role in achieving the fire rating of the overall roofing system. Accordingly, many certifications of roof covering materials describe the specific types of roof components to be used based on the testing conducted.
That means the roof material is tested, as is the underlying insulation and roof deck, whether combustible or not.
Class A roofing is the preferred choice for any commercial building, especially if it is in an area prone to wildfires. To achieve a Class A rating, the roof must be effective against severe fire exposure. This is proven if it can:
Common stand-alone Class A roof coverings include clay tiles, slate, asphalt glass fiber composition shingles, and concrete tiles.
PVC and TPO products are both available with a Class A rating, although TPO is the most common commercial roof.
Acrylic and silicone roof coating may have a UL Class A fire rating. However, they are part of a commercial roofing system and that entire system must be considered when determining the roof&#;s fire rating.
Assembly-rated Class A roof coverings are those that meet Class A standards when combined with other elements. For example, metal roofs are non-combustible, but it still requires the underlying material to meet specification in order to receive a Class A fire rating. For example, a plywood deck under a commercial roof may ignite due to heat transfer through the metal unless there is additional protection to prevent this.
When using assembly-rated roofing material, it&#;s crucial the customer read the manufacturer&#;s specifications carefully. These will detail exactly which materials to combine for your roof to achieve a Class A rating.
Class B roofing is effective against moderate fire exposures. This is proven when the roofing can:
Pressure-treated shakes and shingles are the most common roofing materials to fall under the Class B rating although these are rarely used in commercial roofing.
Class C roofing provides only light fire protection. Roofing with a Class C rating is able to:
Examples of common Class C building materials include untreated wood shakes and shingles, plywood, and particleboard. None of these materials is recommended on a commercial or residential roof.
This type of roof provides little, if any, fire resistance and should be avoided. Most commercial roof building codes will not accommodate any type of unrated roofing material.
Understanding the fire rating for your roofing materials will help you determine how safe your commercial building is in the event of a fire, and whether it is up to code.
If you&#;re concerned about the threat of fire to your commercial building, feel free to call us at 925-724-.
Additional reference provided by Build Direct »
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