When homeowners install a new roof on their homes, they do so to help keep their home protected from the elements, such as wind and precipitation. One aspect of protection that we don’t often consider in the Northeast is fire resistance. Since we don’t often see natural wildfires in the Northeast, a fire resistant roof isn’t as obvious of a concern or required piece of home construction as it is on the west coast where wildfires a part of everyday life. However, disaster isn’t picky, and just because there are few wildfires in the Northeast doesn’t mean that home’s don’t burn down. If you’re replacing your home’s roof in the near future, consider installing one of these fire-proof roofing materials:
Slate
One of the truly timeless materials, slate is a distinguished roofing shingle chosen for some of the most magnificent homes around the world for the beauty it provides. It is a durable, long-lasting material that earns a class A fire rating, meaning it is non-combustible. Whether you opt for hard or soft slate, both versions offer complete fire resistance.
Clay Tile
Clay tile is another unconventional roofing material that isn’t often seen in the Northeast. Clay tiles are far more common in the Southwestern United States, but they are still used in the Northeast for the beautiful curb appeal they provide for homes. In addition to their aesthetics, clay tiles are also extremely durable and fully fire resistant. The only way fire can penetrate your roof through clay tiles is by slipping underneath the grooves in the “S-style” shingles that are commonly used.
Fiberglass-Based Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the single most common roofing material used in the United States. In fact, they comprise roughly 80% of the roofing market in the United States. They are so widespread due to low manufacturing and installation costs, which has made them extremely popular with North American homeowners. When it comes to asphalt, not all shingles are made the same. While some shingles are not as fire resistant as the next, it is easily possible to obtain asphalt shingles that hold Class A fire resistance, meaning they will never blow into bits and pieces or create small, burning embers. Always be sure to check any shingles fire-resistance rating before installation, but it is fully possible to obtain fire resistant asphalt shingles.
Contact Us Today
Interested in learning more about the fire suppressing benefits of different roofing materials? Perhaps you want to install a more fire-resistant roofing material on your home? Reach out to our team for more information at (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you!