Fire-resistant Roofing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Wildfire Prevention

By Adam Cabrera. 

Knowing whether your home is in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone is crucial for selecting appropriate fire-resistant roofing. 

Wildfires pose a severe threat to homes, especially those situated near wilderness areas. The AskARoofer Podcast recently hosted Robin Anderson from Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions to discuss fire prevention measures homeowners can take. Let’s take a look at some of the key takeaways from the conversation. 

First off, how do you know the level of protection your home currently exhibits? The ability of your roof to protect against wildfires is measured in fire resistance classes, with Class A offering the highest level of protection. "Class A fire resistance really talks about the ability of the roof system to protect a structure," Robin explained. This rating involves evaluating a roof's resistance to flame spread and its ability to withstand burning embers. 

Similarly, the material of your roof matters and should be taken into consideration. The type of material you choose for your roof plays a crucial role in its fire resistance. Concrete roof tiles, clay tiles and stone-coated steel are some of the materials known for inhibiting the spread of flames. 

You should also find out if your area is prone to wildfires. Understanding whether your home lies in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone is vital. WUI regions are areas where wilderness and urban environments intersect. These zones are more susceptible to wildfire damage, and knowing your area’s classification can inform your roofing choices. 

However, even if you have a fire-resistant roof, the space around your home can also create potential dangers. A defensible space is a buffer zone around your home that's free of flammable material. Robin stressed the importance of maintaining this space: "If you have a tree that's overhanging your roof and you're in a WUI region, well that's a true fire source that can really affect your home." 

Lastly, before making any decisions, it’s essential to reach out to the experts who can help you understand the wildfire risks in your area. Local regulations can influence what roofing materials you can use, and consulting with experts can help in making informed choices. 

Robin shared, “We've got extensive resources on our website to provide the homeowner and contractor with quick references of what we at Westlake are doing to help with those concerns.” 

Listen to the full AskARoofer episode or read the transcript to learn more about how to keep your neighborhood safe from wildfires.