Most homeowners are well aware of the numerous ways their roof keeps them protected from the elements throughout the year. From intense sunlight to rain and heavy snowfall, Vancouver residents expect their roofs to stand up to all of these elements and more for decades. When selecting and purchasing roof materials however, some homeowners neglect to consider one major aspect of their roofing materials. In addition to the protection from extreme temperatures and outdoor elements, a good roofing material will also offer some fire-resistant properties as well. To help you determine which roofing materials provide the best fire resistance, the Vancouver roofing experts at Taves Roofing have put together a brief guide below.
Best Fire Resistance Roofing Materials
Fire Resistance Ratings
Before any type of roofing material is put on the market, it is subjected to rigorous testing and rated according to its performance. When it comes to fire resistance, roofing materials are rated on a class system. Class A roofs are known to offer the best fire resistance, while Class B and Class C roofing materials offer less protection against fire. The main test which determines a roofing material’s level of fire resistance measures how quickly a fire spreads on a roof within 10 minutes. Typically, a Class B material will let the fire spread 2 feet further in the 10-minute window than a Class A material. When it comes to Class C materials which offer the least fire resistance, these materials are usually classified this way because they are made from combustible material.
Class C Roofing Materials
The Class C roofing materials are able to resist fire damage for a short period of time. Once these materials catch fire, they will spread the fire quickly throughout the roof. Some Class C roofing materials common to BC homes include the following:
- Particleboard
- Plywood Sheets
- Wood Shingles
- Cedar Shakes
Class B Roofing Materials
Class B roofing materials include any type of roofing material which can take moderate fire exposure but falls short of the performance of Class A materials. Some Class B roof shingles may be less expensive for residents to purchase at first, but the availability of Class B materials is much lower than Class A or even Class C materials. Certain manufacturers and communities will not create or allow for the installation of Class B roofing materials, so make sure your roofer is only using roofing materials that adhere to local safety standards.
Class A Roofing Materials
The highest standard in fire resistance for roofing materials is the Class A designation. These materials provide the best protection against fire. In some cases, a roofing material will be completely fireproof, which can add extra protection and peace of mind for your property. In many cases, Class A materials can still catch fire, but the fire spreads much more slowly. Class A roofing materials can be particularly beneficial throughout BC where the presence of large trees and other foliage increases the likelihood of forest fires occurring. There are many examples of Class A roofing materials, but here are just a few which are commonly found installed on homes in BC:
- Metal Roofs
- Asphalt Shingles
- Fibreglass/Asphalt Shingles
- Concrete/Clay roof tiles
For the utmost in terms of safety and peace of mind at home, it is best to select Class A rated roofing materials. You should also make sure to hire the best roofers to handle the installation properly. At Taves Roofing, we can provide top quality service and materials for any residential or commercial roofing project. Contact us today via phone or email to arrange for an estimate.