Choosing a new roof is a major financial decision, and you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. Beyond just curb appeal, the right roof is your home’s first line of defense. Opting for a Class A rated roof is one of the smartest moves you can make. It provides the highest level of fire protection available, which can lead to significant savings on your homeowners insurance. These durable materials also increase your property’s value and have a longer lifespan, protecting your home and your investment for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize a Class A rating for your roof: This is the highest level of fire resistance a roofing material can achieve, proving it can withstand severe fire exposure and defend against dangerous embers.
- A fire-resistant roof is a smart financial move: Beyond protecting your home, installing Class A shingles can increase your property value, lower your homeowners insurance premiums, and save you money on future repairs due to their superior durability.
- Proper installation and maintenance are non-negotiable: The performance of your Class A roof depends on professional installation and regular upkeep. For the highest level of defense, supplement your fire-resistant roof with a professional-grade fire shield, a proven technology designed to protect your entire home from extreme heat and flames.
What Makes a Roof Class A Rated?
When you’re thinking about protecting your home from wildfire, your roof is the first line of defense. It’s the most vulnerable surface, exposed to falling embers that can travel for miles. This is where the right roofing material makes all the difference. You’ve probably heard the term “Class A” mentioned, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, Class A is the highest fire-resistance rating a roofing material can receive, indicating it can withstand severe fire exposure. It’s the standard you should look for, especially if you live in an area prone to wildfires.
How Homes Ignite During a Wildfire
It’s a common misconception that a massive wall of fire is what destroys most homes in a wildfire. In reality, the biggest threat often comes from something much smaller: embers. These tiny, burning particles can be carried by the wind for over a mile, landing on roofs, in gutters, or on flammable materials near your house. According to fire safety experts, these wind-blown embers are responsible for the majority of homes that ignite during a wildfire. Beyond embers, homes are also vulnerable to radiant heat—the intense energy from a nearby fire that can cause surfaces to combust without direct flame contact—and, of course, direct flames from burning vegetation or neighboring structures. Your roof is the most exposed surface, making it the most critical area to fortify against these threats.
How Are Roofs Rated for Fire Safety?
Roofing materials are categorized into three main fire resistance classes: A, B, and C. Think of it like a report card for fire safety. Class A offers the highest level of protection, Class B provides moderate resistance, and Class C offers the least. Materials like metal, clay tiles, and fiberglass asphalt shingles are common examples that can achieve a Class A fire-resistance rating. This rating means they are effective at resisting severe fire exposure from outside sources, giving you critical time and protection when every second counts. For homes in high-risk areas, choosing a Class A roof isn’t just a good idea—it’s an essential safety measure.
What Tests Do Shingles Need to Pass?
A Class A rating isn’t just a label; it’s earned through rigorous, standardized testing. To get this certification, roofing materials are subjected to a series of intense fire simulations. These tests measure how the material performs against direct flames, how quickly flames spread across its surface, and its ability to resist ignition from burning embers, often called “brands.” For example, in one test, a large burning brand is placed on the roof assembly to see if it will burn through to the underlying structure. Only materials that pass these demanding trials without failing are awarded the Class A certification, proving their ability to hold up under extreme conditions.
Flame Spread and Penetration
Two of the most critical factors in these tests are flame spread and penetration. Flame spread measures how quickly fire can travel across the surface of the roofing material. A lower spread rate means the fire is contained and less likely to engulf your entire roof. Penetration testing assesses whether the material can resist burning through. During a test, a large, burning piece of wood, known as a brand, is placed directly on the roofing assembly to simulate a large ember landing on your roof. To earn a Class A rating, the material must prevent the fire from penetrating the roof deck, which is the layer that protects the inside of your home.
Ember Resistance
Did you know that the majority of homes lost to wildfire are ignited by embers? These small, wind-blown pieces of burning debris can travel a mile or more ahead of the main fire, landing on roofs, in gutters, and on decks. This is why ember resistance is a cornerstone of the Class A rating. The tests are designed to ensure that your roof won’t catch fire from these embers. As Fire Safe Marin points out, “Class A is the highest fire-resistance rating a roofing material can receive, indicating it can withstand severe fire exposure.” Choosing a Class A roof is one of the most effective steps you can take to harden your home against the primary threat of wildfire ignition.
Technical Benchmarks and Scores
The Class A rating is based on specific, measurable performance metrics. It’s not a subjective grade; it’s a scientific assessment. To achieve this top-tier classification, roofing materials must meet strict technical benchmarks during testing. This includes achieving a Flame Spread Index between 0 and 25, which is the lowest and safest range. Another key metric is the Smoke Developed Index, which must fall between 0 and 450, measuring the amount of smoke the material produces when it burns. These scores provide a clear, data-backed confirmation that the material performs exceptionally well under intense fire conditions, giving you confidence in its ability to protect your home.
Fireproof vs. Fire-Resistant: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between “fireproof” and “fire-resistant.” No residential roofing material is completely fireproof, meaning it can’t be destroyed by fire under any circumstances. However, Class A shingles are highly fire-resistant. This means they are designed and tested to withstand severe heat and flames for a specific duration, preventing fire from penetrating your home’s interior. For instance, while many assume metal roofs are automatically superior, both metal and asphalt shingles can achieve a Class A rating. The key is the entire roofing system, including the underlayment, which works together to provide that top-tier resistance.
Understanding “Stand-Alone” vs. “By Assembly” Ratings
When you’re shopping for Class A roofing, you’ll come across two different types of ratings: “stand-alone” and “by assembly.” It’s a small distinction that makes a big difference in how your roof achieves its fire resistance. A stand-alone rating means the roofing material itself, like a metal panel or a clay tile, has passed the Class A tests on its own. A “by assembly” rating means the primary roofing material, such as certain wood shakes, needs to be combined with other specific fire-resistant components to meet the Class A standard. Understanding which type you’re getting is key to ensuring your roof is installed correctly and performs as expected during a wildfire.
Stand-Alone Rated Materials
Think of stand-alone rated materials as inherently strong. These roofing products, such as slate, clay tiles, or certain metal sheets, can achieve a Class A rating all by themselves without relying on extra layers for fire protection. They are tested and certified to withstand severe fire exposure independently. This makes them a straightforward and highly reliable choice for homeowners who want peace of mind knowing their primary roofing material provides the highest level of defense. When you choose a stand-alone Class A product, you know exactly what you’re getting, and there’s less room for error during installation since its fire resistance isn’t dependent on additional components.
By Assembly Rated Systems
Some roofing materials need a little help from their friends to reach Class A status. These are known as “by assembly” rated systems. In this case, the primary material, like fire-retardant-treated wood shakes, might only have a Class B or C rating on its own. However, when it’s installed as part of a specific system—which could include special underlayments like gypsum panels or heavy felt—the entire roof assembly works together to achieve a Class A rating. This is why professional installation is so critical. If any component of the specified assembly is missed or installed incorrectly, the roof will not provide that top-tier fire resistance you’re counting on.
The Best Materials for a Class A Rated Roof
A Class A rating isn’t exclusive to one type of roofing material. Instead, it’s a performance standard that several different materials can achieve through their inherent properties or with the help of modern technology. This gives you a range of options to match your home’s style, budget, and specific needs. Let’s look at the most common materials that make the grade.
Fire-Retardant Asphalt Fiberglass
Asphalt fiberglass shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in North America, and for good reason. They are affordable, durable, and can achieve a Class A fire rating. The key is in their composition. These shingles are made with a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules. To meet the highest safety standards, manufacturers incorporate special fire retardants into the asphalt. This treatment helps slow the spread of flames, giving you and your family precious time in an emergency and preventing embers from igniting your roof.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
If you’re looking for a material that is naturally fireproof, concrete and clay tiles are an excellent choice. These materials are non-combustible, meaning they simply won’t burn. Because of this inherent quality, they easily earn a Class A rating and are known for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand extremely high temperatures. While they are heavier and often more expensive than asphalt shingles, their longevity and performance make them a top-tier option for fire-resistant roofs, especially for homes with a Mediterranean or Spanish architectural style.
Sleek and Strong Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has become increasingly popular for its modern aesthetic, longevity, and impressive strength. Most metal roofing systems, including those made from steel, aluminum, and copper, achieve a Class A fire rating. As a non-combustible material, metal is highly effective at resisting ignition from flying embers. It’s also lightweight and comes in a wide variety of styles, from standing seams to shingles that mimic the look of wood shake. It’s worth noting that some thinner, lower-quality metals can be prone to denting from hail, so choosing a reputable installer and a quality product is key to getting the best fire-resistant shingles.
Intumescent Barriers: The High-Tech Option
Sometimes, a material’s fire resistance comes from some pretty impressive science. Many roofing products, including some asphalt shingles and wood shakes, are treated with advanced fire retardants to achieve a Class A rating. One of the most effective treatments involves intumescent technology. When exposed to high heat, an intumescent coating swells up to create a thick, insulating layer of char. This barrier protects the material underneath from the heat and flames, dramatically slowing down the combustion process. This technology is a great example of how innovation can make even traditionally combustible materials safer.
Is a Class A Rated Roof Worth It?
Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home, especially if you live in an area prone to wildfires. While it might seem like a purely functional choice, opting for Class A fire-rated shingles offers a powerful combination of safety, financial benefits, and long-term value. It’s an investment in your home’s resilience and your own peace of mind. From protecting your family to potentially saving you money, here’s why making the switch to a Class A roof is a smart move.
Protect Your Home in Wildfire Zones
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against airborne embers, which can travel a mile or more ahead of a wildfire. A standard roof can easily ignite, but a Class A-rated roof is designed to withstand severe fire exposure. This is the highest level of fire resistance available for roofing, giving you the best possible protection against ignition from embers. As organizations like Fire Safe Marin recommend, this rating is essential for homes in wildfire areas. Knowing your roof is built to resist fire provides an invaluable sense of security when it matters most.
Could You Save on Homeowners Insurance?
Insurance providers reward homeowners who take proactive steps to reduce risk. By installing a roof with a high fire and impact rating, you’re making your home more resilient and less of a liability. Many insurance companies recognize this by offering significant discounts on homeowners insurance premiums. Because Class A shingles often overlap with high impact ratings, you could be eligible for savings. It’s always a good idea to call your insurance agent and ask about potential homeowner insurance discounts for upgrading to a more durable, fire-resistant roofing system.
Add Value to Your Property
A Class A fire-rated roof is a major selling point that can increase your home’s market value. For potential buyers in at-risk regions, a fire-resistant roof isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. It signals that your home is well-maintained and built with safety and durability in mind. These shingles are designed to slow down flames and minimize potential damage, which adds tangible value and appeal. This upgrade shows you’ve invested in quality materials that protect the property, making your home stand out in a competitive market.
Invest in a Longer-Lasting Roof
The materials that earn a Class A fire rating—like metal, concrete, clay, and treated asphalt—are inherently tough. They are built to withstand not only fire but also harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, wind, and hail. While the initial cost may be higher than for non-rated shingles, their durability often translates to a much longer lifespan. The quality of materials is a key factor in how long a roof lasts, and Class A shingles are made from the best. This means you’ll likely spend less on repairs and replacements over the years, making it a sound long-term financial decision.
Benefit from Improved Energy Efficiency
Beyond their strength and safety, many Class A roofing materials offer an unexpected perk: better energy efficiency. Materials like metal, clay tiles, and specially treated shingles are often designed with reflective surfaces. Instead of absorbing the sun’s intense heat, these roofs reflect sunlight away from your home. This simple feature can make a big difference, especially during hot summer months. By keeping your attic and the rest of your house cooler, your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Over time, this translates into lower energy bills, adding another layer of financial savings to your smart investment in a safer, more durable roof.
Class A vs. B vs. C: What’s the Real Difference?
When you start looking at roofing materials, you’ll see fire ratings like Class A, B, and C thrown around. It’s easy to assume they’re all pretty similar, but the difference in protection is huge. Understanding how these ratings stack up is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home, especially if you live in an area with wildfire risk. Think of it like this: a Class A rating is the highest grade a material can get, meaning it has passed the most intense fire-resistance tests. Let’s break down what separates the best from the rest.
Class A vs. Class B: How Much Safer Is It?
The primary difference between Class A and Class B ratings comes down to performance under pressure. As one roofing expert puts it, “Class A shingles offer the highest level of fire protection, making them ideal for areas prone to wildfires or other fire hazards. In contrast, Class B shingles provide a moderate level of fire resistance.” While “moderate” might sound acceptable, it means the material can only withstand a moderate fire exposure test. For homeowners in high-risk areas, this simply isn’t enough. A Class A roof is designed to resist severe fire exposure, giving you a much stronger defense when every second counts.
Class A vs. Class C: A Big Jump in Safety
If the gap between Class A and B is significant, the leap from C to A is massive. Class C-rated materials offer only light fire resistance. They might prevent flames from penetrating the roof deck from a small fire source, but they are not built to handle the intense conditions of a wildfire. According to industry professionals, “Class C shingles provide the lowest level of fire protection… they are significantly less effective than Class A and Class B shingles.” Choosing a Class C roof in a fire-prone region is a serious gamble. For reliable protection, you need a material that has proven it can stand up to extreme heat and flames.
The Unrated Category: The Highest Risk
Then there’s the unrated category, which poses the highest risk of all. These are materials, like untreated wood shakes, that have no fire-resistance rating whatsoever. They haven’t been tested or certified, so their performance in a fire is a dangerous unknown. As experts at Fire Safe Marin wisely advise, if you have a wood shake roof and don’t know its rating, you should assume it’s unrated. Choosing an unrated roof not only leaves your home extremely vulnerable to ignition from embers but can also create major issues with obtaining homeowners insurance. In a wildfire-prone area, opting for a material without a proven safety record is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking.
Why Class A Is the Top Choice for Fire Safety
There’s a reason experts consider Class A materials the gold standard for safety in roofing. Materials like metal, clay, and fiberglass asphalt shingles earn this rating by passing the most rigorous tests for fire and flame spread. A Class A roof is your home’s first and most critical line of defense against falling embers, which are a primary cause of home ignition during a wildfire. For comprehensive protection, you can pair a Class A roof with professional-grade wildfire shields to safeguard your home’s walls and other vulnerable areas from radiant heat and embers—a strategy used by the US Forest Service for decades.
How Do the Costs Compare?
It’s true that Class A roofing materials often come with a higher price tag than their Class B or C counterparts. However, it’s important to view this as an investment rather than just an expense. The upfront cost contributes to long-term savings through increased durability, a longer lifespan, and potentially lower homeowners insurance premiums. Even within the Class A category, prices can vary based on the material and brand. As roofing specialists note, it’s essential to consider factors like durability and weather resistance when selecting materials. Ultimately, the cost reflects a higher level of safety and lasting peace of mind.
Beyond Shingles: Common Roof Vulnerabilities
A Class A roof is an excellent foundation for wildfire defense, but it’s not a complete solution on its own. Your roof is a complex system with various components, and embers are experts at finding the weakest link. Even with the best shingles, certain architectural features and maintenance oversights can create significant vulnerabilities. Understanding these common problem areas is the first step toward building a truly resilient defense for your home. From hidden gaps to debris-filled gutters, these spots can undermine the protection your Class A materials provide, making it crucial to see your roof as more than just its surface.
Complex Roof Designs and Debris Traps
While architecturally interesting, complex rooflines with multiple angles, dormers, and intersections can unfortunately work against you in a wildfire. These features create natural traps for leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris. When embers land, these accumulated piles of tinder can easily ignite, creating a fire right on top of your roof. As pointed out by organizations like Fire Safe Marin, even a Class A roof covering can be compromised if it’s holding a pile of burning debris. Regularly clearing these areas is essential to ensure your fire-resistant materials can do their job effectively.
Gaps at Edges, Peaks, and Valleys
Embers don’t always land neatly on the top of your shingles; they are carried by wind and can find their way into the smallest openings. The gaps under roof tiles or metal coverings—especially at the edges, peaks, and valleys—are prime entry points. Once inside, embers can ignite debris, bird nests, or the underlying wooden structure of your roof. Sealing these openings, a process sometimes called “bird stopping,” is a critical step in hardening your home. It closes off these hidden pathways, preventing embers from bypassing your fire-resistant roofing material and starting a fire from within your attic or eaves.
The Critical Role of Gutters
Gutters are designed to manage water, but during wildfire season, they can become one of your home’s biggest liabilities. When filled with dry leaves, pine needles, and other debris, they essentially become channels of kindling attached directly to the edge of your roof. If embers land in a clogged gutter, the resulting fire can quickly ignite the fascia board and the roof sheathing, completely bypassing the protection offered by your Class A shingles. This is one of the most common ways homes ignite during a wildfire, making gutter maintenance an absolutely non-negotiable task for homeowners in at-risk areas.
Debris Accumulation as a Fire Hazard
The single most important thing you can do to protect your roofline is to keep your gutters and roof valleys clean. It’s a simple, low-cost action with a massive impact on your home’s safety. Regularly removing all leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris prevents embers from finding a ready fuel source. This task should be a routine part of your home maintenance, especially leading into and during fire season. A clean gutter can’t catch fire, which means it can’t spread flames to the vulnerable edge of your roof structure.
Maintenance and Pre-Evacuation Tips
Beyond regular cleaning, there’s another step you can take if you have time before an evacuation. Fire safety experts suggest plugging your downspouts and carefully filling your gutters with water. This can help extinguish any embers that land there and prevent the debris from igniting. While this is a last-minute measure and should only be done if you have enough time and a safe water source, it can provide an extra layer of defense. However, the best strategy is always proactive maintenance, ensuring there’s nothing in your gutters to burn in the first place.
Skylights and Other Roof Penetrations
Any opening in your roof is a potential point of failure. Skylights, vents, and chimneys are all necessary components, but they can also be vulnerabilities. Older skylights, particularly those made of plastic, can melt or break when exposed to extreme heat, allowing embers to fall directly into your home. Similarly, vents without proper ember-resistant screens can act as open doors for burning debris. It’s important to inspect all roof penetrations to ensure they are properly sealed and screened to maintain a continuous line of defense against wind-blown embers.
Creating a Complete Defense System
A Class A roof is the cornerstone of a fire-resilient home, but true protection requires thinking about your house as a whole system. Embers and radiant heat don’t just attack from above; they assault your home from all sides. To create a complete defense, you need to supplement your fire-resistant roof with measures that protect your walls, windows, and other vulnerable areas. This is where professional-grade tools, trusted by experts for decades, come into play. By layering your defenses, you can create a comprehensive shield that addresses all potential threats, not just the ones targeting your roof.
Using Fire Shields for Total Structure Protection
While a Class A roof defends against embers landing from above, it can’t protect your home from the intense radiant heat that can shatter windows and ignite walls from a distance. For this, you need a solution designed to envelop the entire structure. Professional-grade fire shields, like those developed by FireFoil, are engineered for this exact purpose. These are not the small, flimsy fire blankets you might see for kitchen use; those are completely ineffective for protecting a structure. Instead, FireFoil’s aluminum-based shields are large-format systems designed to reflect up to 95% of radiant heat and block direct flame contact.
Why a Class A Roof Is Only Part of the Solution
Think of your Class A roof as a helmet—it provides excellent protection for your head, but it doesn’t cover the rest of your body. A wildfire attacks a home with a barrage of threats: embers landing on the roof, embers blowing against walls and into vents, and overwhelming radiant heat from nearby burning vegetation or structures. Your fire-resistant shingles are your first and most critical line of defense against the first threat. However, they do little to stop heat from cracking windows or embers from igniting siding, making a more holistic approach to home defense essential for complete protection.
How FireFoil Shields Protect Where Roofs Can’t
FireFoil shields are specifically designed to address the vulnerabilities that a roof alone cannot. This is the same technology that has been trusted by professional firefighters and the US Forest Service for over two decades to protect critical infrastructure and national monuments. When deployed, these shields cover your home’s exterior walls, windows, and doors, creating a continuous barrier against radiant heat and embers. Unlike fire blankets, which can burn through and offer no real protection, FireFoil’s proven technology provides a robust defense that requires no water or power, ensuring your entire home is safeguarded when it matters most.
How to Choose the Right Class A Roofing
Selecting the right Class A shingles involves more than just picking a color you like. It’s about making a strategic investment in your home’s safety and resilience. To make the best choice, you need to consider your specific environment, local regulations, the quality of the installation, and a plan for long-term care. Thinking through these factors will help you build a roof that not only looks great but also provides the highest level of fire protection for years to come. Let’s walk through the key steps to ensure you choose the perfect Class A shingles for your home.
Start by Assessing Your Wildfire Risk
The first step is to get a clear picture of your home’s specific wildfire risk. Is your property surrounded by dense vegetation, located on a steep slope, or situated in an area known for high winds? These factors significantly increase your vulnerability. As experts at Fire Safe Marin advise, “If you live in a wildfire-prone area, choose a Class A fire-rated roof when building or replacing your roof.” Understanding your risk level helps you prioritize this decision. A Class A roof is your foundational defense against embers, which can travel a mile or more ahead of a wildfire. The higher your risk, the more critical this non-combustible first line of defense becomes.
Don’t Forget Your Local Building Codes
Once you understand your risk, your next stop should be your local building department. Many communities in wildfire-prone areas have specific building codes that mandate certain levels of fire resistance for construction materials, especially roofing. It’s common for these codes to require a Class A rating for new builds or roof replacements. This isn’t just red tape; it’s a safety standard designed to protect your entire community. Confirming these requirements ensures your project is compliant and meets the recognized standard for safety in your region. Following these codes is essential for securing permits and can also be a factor in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Getting Proof of Compliance for Your Records
Once your new roof is installed, the job isn’t quite finished. The final step is to collect and file the right paperwork. This documentation is your official proof that the materials meet the Class A standard, and it’s essential for both insurance purposes and local code compliance. Your insurance provider will likely require this proof before they apply any discounts to your premium, as it demonstrates you’ve taken proactive steps to reduce risk. Be sure to ask your contractor for the manufacturer’s product specifications, the warranty, and any official certification confirming the Class A fire-resistance rating. Keep these documents in a safe place, like a fireproof box or a digital cloud folder, so you can easily access them when needed.
Why You Need a Professional Installer
Even the best fire-rated materials can fail if they aren’t installed correctly. A Class A shingle’s performance depends entirely on proper installation. As one roofing expert puts it, “Choosing an experienced roofing contractor is just as important as choosing good materials.” An improper installation can leave small gaps in the roof assembly, creating perfect entry points for wind-blown embers. When vetting a contractor, ask for proof of license and insurance, check their experience with Class A roofing systems, and ask for references from past jobs in your area. A professional installation ensures your roof functions as a complete, sealed system, giving you the full benefit of its fire-resistant properties.
Planning for Long-Term Durability
Your roof’s fire resistance isn’t a “set it and forget it” feature. Ongoing maintenance is key to preserving its protective qualities over time. “Regular maintenance is essential for extending the shingle roof lifespan,” and that includes keeping it clear of flammable debris. Piles of dry leaves, pine needles, and twigs in your gutters or on your roof can easily ignite from a stray ember, creating a fire on top of your fire-resistant roof. Make it a habit to clear your roof and gutters, especially before fire season begins. While a well-maintained Class A roof is a critical defense, for homes in the highest-risk areas, you may want to consider an even higher level of protection. A professional-grade fire shield can be deployed to protect your entire home from extreme radiant heat and direct flames—a level of defense that shingles alone can’t provide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Class A shingles completely fireproof? No material is truly “fireproof,” but Class A shingles are highly fire-resistant. This means they are designed and tested to withstand severe fire exposure for a specific period, preventing flames and embers from burning through to the structure underneath. Think of it as the highest level of defense a roofing material can offer, giving you critical time and protection when you need it most.
Will a Class A roof alone guarantee my home survives a wildfire? A Class A roof is the most important first step you can take, as it protects your home’s largest and most vulnerable surface from falling embers. However, wildfires also threaten homes with intense radiant heat and direct flames that can ignite walls, windows, and decks. For complete protection, you need a strategy that addresses the entire structure, not just the roof.
How is a Class A roof different from a fire shield like FireFoil? A Class A roof provides permanent, passive protection against ignition from embers. A fire shield like FireFoil is an active defense you deploy before a wildfire arrives to protect your entire home from extreme radiant heat and direct flames. While a fire-resistant roof is essential, a fire shield offers a higher level of temporary protection for the whole structure, which is why it’s trusted by professional firefighters to defend critical buildings. It’s important to note that FireFoil is a specialized shield, not a fire blanket, which is ineffective for protecting a home.
How can I find out if my current roof has a Class A rating? The easiest way is to check the paperwork from your last roof installation, which should list the material specifications. If you don’t have that, you can look for leftover shingle packaging in your garage or attic, as the fire rating is usually printed on it. If you still can’t find the information, a professional roofing contractor can often identify the material and its likely rating during an inspection.
Do I have to sacrifice style for a Class A rating? Not at all. The Class A rating is a performance standard, not a specific look. You can find Class A-rated materials in a wide variety of styles and colors to match your home’s aesthetic. Options range from modern metal roofs and classic clay tiles to popular asphalt shingles that come in countless designs. You can achieve top-tier safety without compromising on curb appeal.
