One of the positive qualities of the asphalt shingles installed by roof contractors is that they are fire resistant to varying degrees.
This can be a critical feature for owners of homes and buildings in locations that are affected by wildfires, excessive heat, and also in congested neighborhoods where houses are close together.
Yet not all asphalt shingles are highly resistant to embers or flames and homeowners planning for roof services in the future must understand how fire ratings work to ensure they choose the right asphalt shingles to protect their homes.
What Is The Fire Resistance of Roofing Material?
Fire resistance refers to the ability of roofing materials to not catch directly on fire when affected by embers or fire.
All asphalt shingles installed by roof services are rated in their level of fire resistance.
A Class A rating is the most fire-resistant shingle, while those rated Class C are only somewhat fire-resistant.
Shingles with a Class B rating fall somewhere in between the two.
More Asphalt Shingles Available With an A-Rating
Today, many high-quality asphalt shingles like dimensional and architectural shingles are A-rated, meaning they provide a high level of protection to the roof deck of the building.
This rating, which is also given to metal, slate, and ceramic roofing, is met by shingles made with a high fiberglass content as this material is both lightweight and extremely fire resistant.
Flying embers are less likely to ignite these materials on an installation that receives regular roof maintenance, and they are also more resilient to high heat.
As such, Class A fire-resistant shingles are the preferred materials for homeowners to have installed by roof contractors if fire resistance is a concern.
They may also cost slightly more than lower-quality, non-premium shingles that have lower fire-resistance ratings.
What Are C-Rated Shingles Like?
At the bottom of the list are Class C-rated shingles, which provide only the minimum fire resistance and protection, making them somewhat riskier to use in fire-prone areas.
They are commonly some of the less expensive shingles that roof services can install.
As noted above, Class B-rated shingles are mid-range in their fire resistance and also their cost.
Assess Your Risk Dangers
Because some roofs can catch fire from just a few burning embers landing on them, roof contractors highly recommend that homeowners choose premium Class A-rated asphalt shingles whenever possible for the greatest protection.
Class A premium shingles made with fiberglass are affordable, durable protection against conditions that could destroy the entire structure if the roof catches on fire.
Contact a reputable roof service to talk more about fire resistance and choose the best shingle for any home!