Asphalt shingles are considered a popular roofing choice due to their robustness, cost-efficiency, and installation convenience. However, areas susceptible to wildfires pose a question about whether this roof type can effectively resist fire and protect a home during a fire incident. Let’s answer these pertinent questions regarding asphalt shingles plus dive deep into their other aspects.
Inside the Layers: Anatomy of an Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingles are made up of three major parts:
- Ceramic Granules: Miniature but tough. These particles are not just for show. They play a major part to protect the shingles from UV rays and also offer fire resistance.
- Fiber Felt: Made from fiberglass, the fiber felt layer is what gives shingles their structure. Apart from giving structure, fiber felt also enhances the fire resistance of shingles.
- Asphalt: This is the waterproofing component of the shingles. Although it’s combustible, their formulation and installation method in shingles allows them to achieve a high fire rating.
Breaking Down Fire Ratings for Asphalt Shingles
So, here’s the full disclosure. Asphalt shingles are not fully fireproof. They just offer different levels of fire resistance. Here are different standards of asphalt shingles with varying fire resistance capabilities:
- Class A shingles: Offering maximum fire resistance, Class A asphalt shingles can endure serious fire contact.
- Class B shingles: Fairly fire-resistant, this class of shingles guards the roof against tolerable fire exposures.
- Class C shingles: Offers basic fire resistance, enough to deal with low-grade fire occurrences.
Elements Influencing Fire-Resistance Capability of Asphalt Shingles
The level of fire-resistance any shingle can provide depends on several factors. Let us share in this detailed breakdown:
- Environmental Factors: Residents of areas susceptible to wildfires must take extra safety measures, as embers from any distant wildfire can travel and burn materials on their house roofs. Extended dry weather duration can dry out roofing materials, which makes them more prone to catching fire.
- Fiberglass-Based vs. Organic Mats: Shingles made from fiberglass generally deliver better fire resistance compared to those produced by organic mats. The reason is the material itself. Fiberglass is less combustible compared to materials utilized in organic mats.
- Underlayment: The fire resistance capabilities of the asphalt shingles also depend on the layer underneath them. Thus, applying underlayment can radically augment the roof’s ability to hold up against fires.
- Area Density: A shingle’s density can affect its fire resistance. Heavier and denser shingles offer more fire resistance.
The Lifespan of Different Asphalt Shingle Types
Not all asphalt shingles last the same number of years. Although they fall within a certain timeframe, different asphalt roof types have unique features that affect their life expectancy.
The different asphalt shingle roof types and their expected lifespans are:
- 3-Tab Shingles: The cheapest asphalt shingle type lasting between 15-30 years.
- Architectural Shingles: Also known as dimensional shingles, these asphalt shingles are mid-range priced and have a lifespan between 20-30 years.
- Premium Shingles: The highest price tag when it comes to asphalt shingle materials, these last between 25-40 years.
With proper care and maintenance, your asphalt roof can get the most out of its performance.
Defend Your Home with Enhanced Shingle Technology
We strongly recommend that people living in regions more prone to catching fires need extra safety measures or a high level of shingle resistance. The obvious question that comes to mind is, ‘How?’ The Short answer is: amplify your roof’s fire resistance. Apart from using shingles with a Class A fire rating, you can take additional steps and use different materials to amplify your roof’s fire-resistance capability:
Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials
- Treated Wood & Masonry: Do you desire real wood with fire-resistance capabilities? Choose treated wood options that contain fire-retardant chemicals. Masonry, including brick and concrete, provides excellent fire resistance.
- Clay Tile, Slate, & Stone Veneer: Want pure stone aesthetics with added fire resistance? These organic materials ensure added safety to your home, minimizing security concerns.
- CeDUR Synthetic: With the appearance of real wood, totally fire-resistant. CeDUR synthetic is definitely a great alternative for those seeking high-end security plus ultra-fine aesthetics.
- Metal & Recycled-Rubber Tile: Top-rated fire resistance and high-end robustness, both metal and recycled rubber deliver the ultimate safety against embers and direct flames.
- Fiber Cement: For both siding and roofing, fiber cement remains the extraordinary choice, mimicking the appearance of wood and the fire rating of stone or metal.
Fire-Resistant Underlayment & Barriers
As stated earlier, the materials underneath the shingles considerably impact the roof’s overall fire resistance. Here’s what to do:
- Fire-Resistant Barrier Material: Fire-resistant barrier helps prevent fire spread, ensuring a high-level of safety for your roof as well as the home’s interior.
- Fire-Code-Compliant Underlayment: Particularly designed to fulfill strict fire protocols, this underlayment serves as a blockade against flames and heat.
Power-Packed Perks of Fire-Resistant Asphalt Roofing
Want to know the power of A-grade fire-resistant asphalt shingles? You’ll have nothing but respect for this powerful roof. Here are the perks:
Reduced Pest’s Presence: Remember the last time pests hoarded on your roof that wasn’t fireproof. Well, that’s not the case with asphalt shingles. Specialized fire-resistant chemicals present in the shingles make the roof repulsive to small pests, acting as repellents. These include pests like woodpeckers, which could otherwise afflict your shingles.
Increased Roofing Options: Synthetic thatch, wood, and other renowned roofing materials that develop distinct outlooks can be customized with a fire-resistant treatment that elevates their fireproofing capabilities, making them an ideal option for sheltering your home.
Additional Durability: The fire-resistant treatments not just multiply the fire-fighting capability of shingles, but also act as stabilizers for roofing materials, increasing their lifespan.
Fire Prevention: The A-grade fire-resistant asphalt shingles can significantly slow down fire spread, providing first responders extra time to reach the scene.
Trusted Shingle Solutions for Long-Lasting Roofs!
What we’ve learnt is that asphalt shingles are not just aesthetically pleasing but also gain market value due to their varying fire-resistance capabilities. This allows people with different roofing requirements to choose from the three classes of asphalt shingles. Here’s how you can do it too.
Reach out to 406 Roofing, premier roofing service providers in Montana and nearby regions. We can install, repair, and maintain all types of roofs and shingles, including, for different commercial and residential sites. If you want to gain both energy-efficiency and aesthetic benefits, then contact us at (+1) 406-209-4395 or e-mail at office@406roofing.com. Shield your home in style with 406 Roofing.