Home › Learn From The Pros › A Quick Guide to Roof Fire Ratings A Quick Guide to Roof Fire Ratings July 1, 2020 The roof is a critical aspect of any residential or commercial building. For your home, it acts as the main line of defense against harsh weather conditions. Now, most people will instinctively think of rainfall, hail or snow storms – but fires are just as dangerous. Fortunately, by choosing a well-designed roof, you can also rely on it as a protection from wildfires and other types of fire incidents. There are four fire classifications for a roof. These are Class A, Class B, Class C and unrated. A Class A roof is the most ideal and may be required by local building codes. When choosing roofing materials, whether for a new installation or a repair, it is important to consider the fire rating. Class A Roofing If you are building a new home or replacing an existing roof, opting for a product that has qualified for a Class A rating will be your best choice. This is particularly beneficial for homeowners who live in areas that are prone to wildfires. In fact, a Class A roof is proven effective against severe fire exposure. Asphalt, slate and clay tiles are the best standalone Class A materials. Metal roofing, when skillfully installed, is also an impressive fire-resistant membrane. Class B Roofing For a roof to be classified as Class B, it must be proven effective against moderate fire exposure. It should also last at least an hour before fire starts to ignite. A couple of the most common Class B roofing materials are pressure-treated shakes and shingles. Class C Roofing If a roof is rated Class C, then it will only provide light fire protection. It lasts only 20 minutes before fire begins to ignite and has a maximum flame spread of 13 feet. Untreated wood shakes and plywood are commonly classified as Class C roofing. Unrated An unrated roof will do you no good. Most local building codes do not recognize this type of roofing as safe and will likely reject its installation. Thinking about giving your exterior home an upgrade? [company_name] is here to make your everyday life easier! We offer a wide range of reliable home improvement services, such as roof repair and Class A roof replacement products to residential homeowners in and around Brainerd Lakes. Call our team at [company_number], or fill out our contact form to start a conversation with one of our specialists.