Roofing That Protects Against Fire
Choosing the right shingles for your new roof helps make your valuable investment impervious, or at least resistant, to fire damage. The devastation brought on by a house fire goes far further than structural destruction, however. The loss of irreplaceable personal belongings and loss of income while dealing with the aftermath of a fire can take a sizeable toll on your family.
Your roof is perhaps the most vulnerable section of your home when fire strikes. High winds blow the sparks of oncoming blazes onto the roof, where flames can kindle. A roof’s large surface area, sun-dried and warm, practically welcomes flames from an adjoining structure. When working with your Voorhees roofing specialist on your reroofing project, ask about the flammability of different materials. Roofing with a Class A fireproof rating is the least likely to burn.
You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for fire safety’s sake. You have several choices in materials that are available in a multitude of looks. Many communities throughout the U.S. prohibit the use of cedar shake roofing due to its innate combustibility, but manufacturers make less volatile products that closely resemble the natural look of wood.
About three-quarters of American homes have asphalt roofs. Their granular, ceramic top coating is heat and fire resistant, and asphalt shingles come in a spectrum of colors and profiles.
However, while asphalt shingles can resist catching fire for a couple of hours while the wooden structure beneath burns, they are not the most fireproof choice in roofing; asphalt itself is a petroleum-based product that is flammable.
Slate and terra cotta tile roofing have high degrees of fire resistance. They are heavier than other materials and may require structural reinforcement. However, in terms of appearance, they add appeal to your home, and they are durable and do not catch fire.
Manufacturers of cement roofing tiles can form and color them to resemble wood shakes, terra cotta tiles or slate tiles. They are non-combustible and weather-resistant. They have the substance to hold steady against high winds and are impervious to insect damage. However, in wet climates, moss and lichens can get a foothold on this type of roofing and must be addressed with a fungicide.
The various types of metal roofing, from stainless steel to copper, provide excellent rooftop fire protection. In coastal locations, non-corrosive metal roofing resists salt damage. Specially developed coatings protect metal roofing from ultraviolet radiation damage and algae growth too.
As a homeowner, you can take additional steps to ensure your roof is not vulnerable to fires. Keeping your gutters clear of debris, especially during dry weather, eliminates a fuel source for fire. Removing dead branches and trees near or above the roof prevents stray sparks from finding a purchase. Installing fire resistant siding on the structure prevents flames from climbing to the roof. On the ground, maintaining a defensible area around the exterior of the house will keep fire at bay.
Protecting your family and your investment in your home means doing all you can to prevent fires. Choosing fireproof roofing is critical to your success. Fortified Roofing of Voorhees NJ would be happy to answer any question you have about roofing, skylight installation or new gutters.
Common term explained by Fortified Roofing of Voorhees NJ:
Defensible area
A defensible area around the perimeter of a structure stops the progress of wildfires. To create a defensible area, homeowners should remove combustible vegetation, such as dead trees or shrubs. Fireproof materials such as gravel and cement are acceptable in a defensible area.
A Voorhees roofing contractor answers a commonly asked question:
Are shake roofs safe in cool, moist climates?
Cedar shake roofing is more popular in cool, moist climates where fire danger is at a minimum, and shakes coordinate well with the evergreens and lush vegetation typical of such regions as well. However, wood roofing is vulnerable to fires that start within the home, so strictly speaking, they are not safe. The regular application of a fire-resistant coating can reduce the flammability of shake roofs.
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If you would like to ask a question regarding roofers, a new roof installation, roof leak repairs, skylight options or gutters and downspouts please contact Fortified Roofing today!
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