How Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials Are Classified and Rated

Colorado is no stranger to wildfires, so choosing fire-resistant roofing materials is essential in designing and choosing a roof. Understanding the various ratings will help you determine which is right for your home. Homes and businesses in the Front Range and mountain communities should consider a roof with a Class A fire rating.

Understanding Fire Ratings of Roofing Materials

Roofing materials will come with a designated fire rating, ranging from Class A to unrated. Roofing materials go through vigorous testing to ensure that they will protect your building in the event of a wildfire.

Testing to determine a roofing materials fire rating includes:

• Flame Penetration
• Flame Spread Over Roof
• Flame Spread to Surrounding Areas

Evaluating and Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials

Roofing materials are put through various tests to see how flammable the materials are and how quickly the fire could spread over your entire roof. The more flammable and quickly the fire will spread, the lower the fire rating. 

Slowing the Spread of Wildfire

The primary function of your roof is to protect the rest of the building from fires, floods, and other weather. However, when it comes to fire ratings, part of the testing requirements is to see if your roof will slow wildfire spread. 

Testing how the materials will break up and become dislodged from the rest of the roof and cause the wildfire to spread to new areas determines the fire resistance of your roofing materials. 

A roofing material that helps stop the spread and contain a wildfire is essential to get a Class-A fire rating.

Improvising the Fire-Rating of Your Roof

The style of installation may improve the fire rating of your roof. Many materials go into a complete roof installation, and all materials need to be considered in the fire rating. That includes the underlayment and insulation materials. 

Fire-resistant roofing materials ensure that the flames from a wildfire won’t penetrate your roof and spread the fire to your attic and the rest of the home. 

Contact Front Range Roofing Contractor For New Roof Installation and Roof Replacements

Our services include helping you determine the right style of roof and the best materials for your location, climate, and threats of wildfire. 

Contact us for an estimate or to schedule a consultation.