Are you living the mountain lifestyle in or around the San Francisco Peaks, Black Hills, or Buckskin Mountains? Wildfires are a serious concern for all Arizona residents. While you can’t fireproof your entire home, you can select fireproof roofing materials that will prevent fires and reduce damages in the event of an unstoppable forest fire.
At Polaris Roofing Systems, we want to help you pick the best roofing materials for your mountain home. Below, we share how to pick the right fire-resistant material for your roof. If you would like to learn more, contact our professional roofing team today!
What Causes Roof Fires in Arizona?
Roof fires can start for four main reasons:
- Faulty wiring: An electrical fire could start in your attic from improper wiring, overloaded circuit breakers, or faulty fixtures.
- Blocked chimneys: Chimneys should carry the fire’s smoke out of your roof, though if you don’t clear blockages regularly, excess heat may build up near the top, igniting your roofing materials.
- Dried forests: Flagstaff has over 200 wildfires per year from dried vegetation and excessive heat. One of these fires could reach your roof.
- Hazardous materials: Many roofing materials, like cedar, are prone to fires.
Why You Need Fire-resistant Roofing In and Around Flagstaff
Flagstaff and Northern Arizona suffer frequent wildfires each year. Most residents may not realize the conditions in their neighboring forests because firefighters may control the situation before it gets out of hand. In case a forest fire ever travels near your home, though, you need fire-resistant roofing materials.
The sheer heat that resonates from a fire’s perimeter could ignite your home if you have a flammable roof. You can prevent severe damage by picking fireproof roofing materials.
Even if you’re not concerned about local forest fires, all homes still carry electrical fire risks. We recommend that you make the safest choice to protect your family and prevent expensive home repairs.
Fire-Resistance Class Ratings
No roofing materials are actually fireproof, though they can resist the flames to a certain degree. The following class rating system defines how well different materials perform:
- Class A materials last two to four hours in fire conditions before igniting.
- Class B materials last approximately one hour before catching flames.
- Class C materials only last about 20 minutes before catching fire.
The Best Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials
Several fire-resistant roofing materials exist, ranging in resistance ratings and price. If you’re unsure which is best for your home, our team at Polaris Roofing Systems can make a recommendation based on your location, needs, and budget.
Synthetic Composite
Synthetic composite shingles are stylish, recyclable, energy efficient, and fire resistant. The featured Brava synthetic cedar shake roofing option above in the image above offers a Class A rating and a 50-year lifespan. You can choose between many styles that mimic natural materials.
Metal
Metal roofing systems are light, cheap, and resistant to all different weather conditions, including fire. With a class A fire rating, you can rest assured your home is as safe as possible.
While metal’s decreased weight may offer lower costs, it also can create future expenses. Hail or fallen tree limbs can easily dent the thin metal, requiring repairs.
Fiberglass Asphalt
Fiberglass asphalt shingles are extremely common because they’re affordable and boast a Class A rating. Unfortunately, asphalt roofs don’t withstand other weather conditions, like extreme rain, wind, and sun. In Flagstaff, AZ, an asphalt roof may easily suffer water damage and other issues from the enormous winter snow build-ups.
Slate
Slate roofs are a naturally fire-resistant rock that can withstand flames well, though it costs a lot and comes with other disadvantages. The excess weight makes installation complicated and may cause future concerns. We usually recommend opting for another material instead.
Concrete and Clay
Concrete is affordable, durable, and boasts a Class A fire rating. You can choose between many color options to match your home’s exterior.
Clay tile roofs also provides decent durability, though you must pick an expert installer to ensure that it reaches at least a Class B rating. The gaps between each clay tile can reduce fire resistance if installed improperly.
Reduce Fire Risks By Upgrading Your Roof Today
Don’t wait for the next wildfire. Update your home with fireproof roofing materials to protect your loved ones and valuables. Call us at Polaris Roofing Systems in Flagstaff, AZ, at (928) 699-4840 for a free assessment from our experienced team.
