An increased emphasis has been put on creating fire-safe homes, making replacing current roofing with fire-resistant shingles a wise choice. Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the roofing options homeowners choose for greater protection from fires.
Installing a fire-resistant roof on your Tennessee home is essential to protect your property from damage and the spread of flames. Read on to discover how a fire-resistant asphalt roofing system can help keep your home safe from devastating damage.
Fire-Resistant Asphalt Roofing Basics
While wildfires can cause homes to burn down, they aren’t the only culprits that destroy homes. Fireworks, barbecue embers, chimney sparks, and lightning strikes can all cause a home to catch on fire. Safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your property with dependable, fire-resistant asphalt shingles.
The Benefits of Fire-Resistant Asphalt Shingles
Fiberglass-based asphalt roofing is the most popular roofing material in the U.S.—and for good reason! Its affordability, durability, and versatility in customization make it an ideal choice for most homeowners.
When asphalt shingles are installed with a code-compliant underlayment, fiberglass shingles deliver reliable fire resistance. And if you hire a contractor who installs Class A fire-rated asphalt shingles, you’ll boost the safety of your home, giving you peace of mind. Unlike wood shingles (which burn immediately), asphalt shingles last two hours in a fire. This means they can withstand direct flames for a significant period, although they aren’t considered completely fireproof.
The Importance of a Fire-Resistant Underlayment
When your roof is replaced, the roofing underlayment (which goes over your roof deck and under your asphalt shingles) is a vital part of its fire resistance. Why? Because an underlayment is a barrier that acts as an added layer of protection against fires. It can slow down the spread of flames.
Choosing a fire-resistant underlayment material improves the overall fire resistance of your roofing system, meaning your roof will withstand a fire longer before significant damage occurs by taking this precaution. A fire-resistant underlayment helps contain flames and keep embers from easily penetrating deeper into your roof structure.
The Value of Fire-Resistant Ridge Vents
Class A ridge vents are designed to protect your home from fire while offering superior airflow for ventilation and protection against the elements, pests, and more. Other ridge vents create openings where embers can ignite combustible materials in an attic and cause fires to burn a home from the inside out. The good news is that there are fire-resistant ridge vents that repel embers and flames. Made of a non-wicking matting material, these ridge vents are the perfect complement for fire-resistant asphalt roofing shingles, adding another element of safety to your home.
The High Performance of Class A Fire-Resistant Shingles
Most asphalt roofing shingles come with a Class A fire rating. This is the highest level of fire protection for your roof deck. They are fully fire-resistant, offering significant defense against the spread of flames. These are recommended for enhanced protection against the impact of fire on your roofing system.
The Moderate Performance of Class B Fire-Resistant Roof Shingles
This class of roofing shingles delivers a moderate amount of fire protection to your roof deck. These shingles are not as robust as Class A rated shingles, but they still reduce the risk of damage to your home.
The Minimal Protection Class C Shingles Offer
This is the lowest category of shingles and offers a small degree of fire protection to your roof deck compared to Class A and Class B.
Proactive Tips to Keep Fire Damage at Bay
Ensure Your Fire-Resistant Roof Replacement Is Installed Properly
To get the best fire resistance on your new roof, it’s vital that it is installed correctly. There are two vital ingredients to a reliable roof: optimal roofing materials and proper installation from a reputable roofer. Vet your roofer carefully before hiring them to ensure you hire someone who has great attention to detail and a track record of successful installations.
Regular Maintenance
To keep fire damage from harming your roof, in addition to fire-resistant roofing, keep your roof clear of debris, trim your tree branches away from your roof, and have it inspected regularly. Ensure your well-manicured landscaping surrounding your home doesn’t rub up against your roofing or siding, minimizing the risk of damage.
Get Beautiful, Fire-Resistant Asphalt Roofing for Your Memphis Area Home
Boosting your home’s curb appeal while increasing its fire safety adds value while giving you peace of mind. At Bluff City Exteriors, we install resilient, fire-resistant Owens Corning asphalt roofing. We’re a family-owned business known for our local roots and commitment to honesty and punctuality. We aren’t just transforming homes—we’re fulfilling dreams.
We are an Owens Corning Preferred contractor, so you can rest at ease that your roof will be installed with meticulous attention to detail and according to the manufacturer’s best practices. Learn more about how our roofing services can enhance your home’s beauty while providing fire resistance to increase your home’s safety.
