Palm Harbor roofing contractors offer many different types of roofing for both commercial and residential properties. The roof is one of the most important parts of your house as it protects you and your family against all kinds of weather. It is a long-term investment that could very well save your life. That said, you should check for a roof’s fire rating.
Let us take a closer look at roof fire ratings:
What are roof fire ratings?
Fire ratings refer to the resistance of a roof to fire from the surface of the roof system. Class A is the best rating that can be achieved by a roof. It is described by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) as “effective against severe fire exposure,” especially fire from an outdoor source.
How are roofs rated?
To determine fire ratings, laboratories like UL conduct fire tests using methods in ASTM E108 or UL 790 Standard. Different roof ratings have different maximum flame spreads: Class A has a maximum flame spread of 6 feet; Class B, 8 feet; and Class C, 13 feet.
What do these tests tell you?
The tests reveal the resistance of the roofing materials to (1) flame spread, (2) intermittent flame, and (3) ignition from burning brands.
Now that you know the basics about fire ratings, here are some tips to remember:
Make sure your roof meets building code or insurance requirements. Some insurance companies have specific requirements for your roof as does your building administration. Check your contract for what’s covered by your insurance warranty and whether or not it will be compromised by buying a particular type of roof.
Choose a roof with a Class A rating. If you can afford it, look for a high-quality roof with a Class A fire rating. Again, Class A is the highest rating a roof can attain.
Pick a material that is fire-resistant. Different materials offer different benefits and features. Asphalt composition shingles, for instance, have good fire- and wind-resistant qualities. The same is true for metal and plastic polymer. Meanwhile, clay tile and concrete tile have excellent fire resistance. On the other hand, materials made from wood are poor at fire resistance. If you want wood shingles for your roof, a treatment of fire-retardant chemicals will strengthen their resistance to fire.
Not all roofs can withstand major damage from storms, fire, and wind. To give you more peace of mind, look for a classy roof with excellent flame-resistant properties—that is, one with a Class A rating. We at Arry’s Roofing Services, experts in roofing in Palm Harbor, can help you out. Call us now to learn more about Class A roofs.
