The Fire Resistance Of Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

In light of our recent wildfires, we thought we would address the use of fire retardant roofing materials used by our local Napa roofing contractors today. More homeowners today are concerned about their roofing systems and how they can either be a help or a hindrance when it comes to home fire safety. What we have learned about fire and its suppression throughout history has been vital in considering the different materials you want to use on your home’s roof.

As a building’s roof is the most vulnerable part of the home, building codes in fire-prone areas require fireproof or fire resistant materials to be used. A fire resistant roof will give a structure a better chance of survival.

The most common form of roofing material today is the fiberglass asphalt shingle roof. It is also extremely fire retardant. Shingles are categorized by classes, Class-A roofing materials being the most fire resistant. The Class-A rated shingles most used in roofing systems today will not contribute to the spread of a fire that originates outside the home. This shingle will hold together under flame which means it will not blow into bits and pieces, fall off, or generate smaller burning embers. The Class-A rated shingles we use will not crack, warp, break, or slide off exposing the underlying deck. During a fire, these shingles will simply not allow flame to spread to their underside and are able to withstand a fire burning through wooden structural components for nearly two hours.

It is always important to avoid any conditions outside the home that may cause fire-feeding conditions as much as possible. Especially in light of our current wildfire disaster, we need to keep the immediate area around the house as free from overhanging branches, leaves, or brush as possible to avoid creating fire-starting areas. A fire originating inside the home has the ability to feed on many different materials before encountering the flame retardant shingles, although fiberglass insulation with no paper backing can be equally as fire retardant as the shingles themselves.

At Modern Method Roofing, we offer Presidential Roofing Systems offering Class-A fire rated shingles with warranties available from 30 years to a limited lifetime warranty. Upon installation, all manufacturer specifications are strictly adhered to. We also offer slate, concrete, and metal roofing systems which are also fire resistant. If you have questions about roofing systems and their fire ratings, call the Napa roofing contractors that have been the most trusted in the area for over 63 years. We would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about roofing systems available today and their fire resistant qualities.