More homeowners throughout Minnesota are looking at fire-resistant building materials, such as shingles and siding that are less likely to burn if the home would catch on fire. These properties are mainly attributed to fiberglass-based materials. Fiberglass offers great fire-resistance when the underlayments are fire-code-compliant. These tend to have a class rating of A. There are other roofing types that are also known for their fire resistant quality, such as slate.
Other types that are being chosen because of its fire-resistant properties include:
- Recycled rubber tile is growing in popularity because it is a light roofing material and it is affordable. It is also environmentally friendly and meets some of the most stringent fire-resistant requirements. This is one of the few synthetic roofing materials to receive the UL’s Class A fire rating.
- Metal doesn’t ignite and that is why metal roofing and metal tile roofing is becoming more popular. When it has a fire-resistant barrier material underneath, Class A fire protection is received. It is also lightweight and does not require a lot of maintenance. These types of roofing typically come with 30-year warranties.
- Clay tile is noncombustible and durable. There are some cautions to take with this type and your Minneapolis roofing contractor will advise you of these cautions so you can make an informed decision.
- Slate has been popular for quite some time. It is timeless, elegant, and it is almost indestructible. It receives the Class A fire rating because it is noncombustible. Slate is heavy, so it is important that the home’s roofing structure can handle the weight.
Now that you know the types of roofing that are fire-resistant, it is time to review the sidings. One of the first materials you can face your home with is a stone veneer. This is actually sliced rock and it is noncombustible. Fire-rated mortars can also be used.
When using siding on the home, fiber cement is a material that can withstand 2 to 4 hours of high heat before the structure starts to fail. Fiber cement makes up shingles as well. It is a mixture of sand, cement, and wood and typically carries a Class A fire rating. You can even opt for the traditional stucco look, but using an acrylic-impregnated cement finish over fiberglass can give you the fire resistance that you need because it is noncombustible.
Another popular choice is treated wood. Natural wood can be nice, but it can be flammable. Shingles, clapboard and treated wood siding that is impregnated with fire-retardant materials can create the look you want without the flammability. It is important to remember to retreat the wood on a regular basis so it keeps its fire resistant properties.
Lastly, masonry is naturally fire resistant. This allows you to achieve the look that you want your home to have without taking a risk. In fact, fire-resistant roofing and siding can be the difference between losing your home and saving your home during a fire.