Understanding the Different Roof Fire Ratings

Going for an unrated roof might be a cheaper and more attractive choice for your spring roof repair, but that also means you’re investing in a material that’s unknown and unrated. These types of roofs don’t even pass the requirements for the lowest-rated materials, which means they’ll hardly provide any fire resistance. If something were to happen and your roof catches fire, it would spread quickly, which is why many building codes don’t accommodate unrated roofs.

It’s important to consider which fire rating would best suit your home’s structure as well as your local environment. They’re divided into three categories, namely:

Class A

These types of roofs can withstand a burning brand measuring 12 by 12 inches and weighing 2,000 grams and last around two to four hours before they ignite. Class A roofs can also experience a maximum flame spread of six feet and endure 15 cycles of a gas flame turned on and off. Class A-rated roofs come highly recommended for any type of home, especially if you live near woodlands, forests or any place that’s prone to wildfires.

Class B

Roofs that have this rating are effective against moderate fire exposures, which is common in pressure-treated shakes and shingles. Class B roofing systems can experience a maximum flame spread of eight feet and usually last an hour before they ignite. They can also resist eight cycles of a gas flame turned on and off and withstand a burning brand measuring six by six inches and weighing 500 grams.

Class C

Roofs that have this rating only offer the bare minimum in fire protection. They can experience a maximum flame spread of 13 feet and last 20 minutes before they ignite. They can also withstand a burning brand weighing 0.25 grams and measuring 1.5 by 1.5 inches. With a gas flame turned on and off, Class C roofs can only resist about three cycles.

As a reputable name among roofing contractors, Easton Roofing always gets the job done! For more information, contact us now at (913) 257-5426 or you can fill out our online contact form. We serve Kansas City and surrounding areas.