How To Avoid Fire Rating Issues On Roofs

Class a is the highest rating offering the highest resistance to fire and unrated is the worst.

How to avoid fire rating issues on roofs.

Even with class a fire rated roof coverings vertical surfaces next to the roof edge will be exposed to flames from the ignited debris. Class a class b class c or unrated. Regularly remove vegetative debris from your roof and gutters. This roof covering failed so as constructed this is not a class a roof.

These flames can extend to the edge of the roof and adjacent siding. Torch down roofing is a type of roofing that consists of layers of modified bitumen adhered to layers of fiberglass with a flame torch. Make sure that ventilation stacks and upper level windows are in good working order not cracked or otherwise broken. Roof coverings can obtain a class a rating based on the covering alone called a stand alone class a or based on the covering and underlying materials that provide additional fire protection called an assembly rated class a.

Fire retardant wood is often used in roof construction and shingling in particular since those are vulnerable areas of any building. Evaluate the potential for fuel contribution from the underside of the pv panel. The rating classifies how well an assembly is able to confine and isolate fire during tests. Some coatings are designed to work even on flammable wood which would normally ignite without much difficulty.

Torch down roofing is used only for flat or low slope roofs. Obviously using an open flame torch to install torch down roofing systems can pose a fire risk. Your roof s fire rating isn t important if burning materials can get at it from below. Keep out wind borne embers by covering soffit vents and eaves with fine metal meshing.

Dry debris can be ignited by wind blown embers. Fire ratings for roofs are classified as either class a class b class c or are unrated if a roof covering cannot meet the requirements for any of these classifications. There are four classifications of fire ratings for roofing assemblies. Checking with fire damage repair denver roofing contractors they say that one of the easiest ways to protect your existing roof from fire damage is through the use of special roof coating.

Fire rated roof assemblies have been tested for their fire containment capabilities. To prevent an exterior fire from entering the building protect building expansion joints by securing mineral wool or other fire resistant compressible insulation between wood nailers covered by steel flashing.