Fire is one of the most powerful elements on Earth. We use it for cooking food, creating art, creating electricity, and so much more. However, while fire has the potential to create, it also has the power to destroy.
Wild forest fires have destroyed major ecological environments, and they’re a pretty common occurrence in Maryland. On average, the Maryland Forest Service responds to about 123 wildfires that burn more than 1,780 acres of forest, brush, and grasses. The state’s fire departments respond to over 5,000 wildfire incidents per year.
In suburban areas, freak accidents and lightning strikes are common causes of fire outbreaks. In areas where buildings are right on top of one another, fires have a greater chance of spreading from one building to another.
While the fire department is there to help put out all these fires, there are some things that you can do to help.
Fire-resistant roofing is a great way to protect your home and property from fire damage. If you live in an area prone to fires or lightning strikes, it is highly recommended that you invest in some fire-resistant roofing materials.
To help you determine which roofing material offers you the best protection, you’ll be pleased to know that roofing materials are graded according to their fire resistance. These are some roofing materials with the best fire protection:
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is one of the most premium roofing materials on the market today. It has a Class A fire rating, which means that it is non-combustible and can withstand severe fire exposure.
A slate roofing system offers your home the best protection from the elements and, with the correct upkeep, can last you more than 200 years.
However, slate is quite a heavy roofing material, so it’s advised to consult with your roofer about the compatibility of your home before you install a slate roofing system.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing also has a Class A fire rating. However, this premium roofing material is much lighter and more affordable than slate roofing.
Metal roofing is a highly energy-efficient material too. It has a high UV reflective rate, protecting your home from UV damage and keeping your home cool in the summer months.
The roofing material is available in different materials like copper, zinc, steel, and aluminum, and you’re free to style your roofing system according to your aesthetic. Once your metal roof has reached the end of its lifespan, you’ll be happy to know that you can recycle your old metal roofing panels.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles create highly durable, Class A roofing systems. While this beautiful roofing system provides your home with incredible protection and curb appeal, they need to be installed by professionals for you to benefit from the Class A fire rating.
This is because the clay or concrete tile has a barrel shape. This barrel creates a gap between the roofing material and underlayment. These gaps need to be plugged to prevent the fire from burning your roof and house down.
For more information on fire-resistant roofing materials, give Certified Roofing a call today! Proudly serving the cities of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Clarksville, Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Frederick, Fulton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Green Valley, Highland, Hunt Valley, Hyattsville, Kensington, Laurel, Lutherville, Montgomery Village, North Laurel, Olney, Owings Mills, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Timonium, Towson, Wheaton, Woodstock, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and all surrounding areas.
