5 Roofs With Less Risk When Facing a Fire

Posted on A picture of a freshly installed, fire-resistant roof

Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, it is a good idea to know what kind of roof your dwelling has. Roofing materials can have a lot to do with insurance rates. Also, being able to anticipate when a roof will require regular maintenance or need be replaced entirely can help avoid a household financial strain. With a variety of roof technologies and specific types becoming more widely available, these five affordable options are worth looking into.

Roof Damage

No one ever wants to face dealing with the losses associated with a home fire. The cost of a home fire equates to a loss of over $7 billion for residents every year. Knowing what materials go into the design of a home’s roof can protect from these kinds of catastrophic losses.

5 Fire Resistant Roofs

Fires burn so hotly that there are few materials able to prevent at least some damage, altogether entirely. There are however excellent roofing materials that resist ignition much better than others. Concrete, terracotta, steel, asphalt shingles and copper are those materials.

Asphalt

Shingles made from asphalt are made with a flame-retardant fiberglass core. They have many benefits including superior cooling capability (energy efficient), are long lasting (around 25 years) and are light-weight in the event of any type disaster.

Steel and Copper

Both roofing materials, iron, and copper are comprised of metal. Metal is the best material to ward off fire hazard. A great plus for these materials is that they are available in some colors and styles. Steel, for example, is often sold to appear like more expensive shingles or tile designs. Both are lifetime enduring and extremely energy efficient too.

Printed Roof

Concrete roof styles are utilizing 3D technology as it arrives and is tested throughout the construction industry. Concrete materials have extraordinary affordability and deter fire better than any. Think of a kiln or home fireplace lined with concrete, right?

Terracotta

While a terracotta roof is a more fragile choice per se, it is also one that boasts fire resistance across the board. For areas like California who are in non-stop fire danger, the style is best suited for neighborhoods and expensive homes where fire can “jump” from one house to the next in the blink of an eye.

Replacing, renting or buying a home with a great roof will not only provide less of a fire risk, but it will also be an excellent return on investment. Getting cheaper insurance coverage, having to make repairs less-often, and protecting the overall home is well-worth the time.

Sources

Walkup Law

Roofs By Slate

FEMA

This Old House

Written by
Terry Slate
Terry is the Vice President of Slate & Slate Roofing and has over 28 years of experience with both residential and commercial roofing. He specializes in metal roofing, composition roofing, and PVC membrane roofing.