Let’s get this out of the way. In California regulation does not gamble on inferior materials. In some places it’s actually illegal to get a roofing replacement that isn’t made of a material with an A rating against fire resistance.
Roofing Fire-Resistance Ratings
Class A – Roof coverings are effective against severe fire test exposures. Under such fire exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.
Class B – Roof coverings are effective against moderate fire test exposures. Under such fire exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a moderate degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.
Class C – Roof coverings are effective against light fire test exposures. Under such fire exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a light degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.
With that in mind, let’s move through roofing materials in the ranks. All the materials on this list are fire-resilient but some do better than others.
A Rated Fire-Resilient Roofing Materials
Fiberglass Asphalt Roofing
The value of asphalt is that it is both cost-effective, popular, and resilient to fire. In California asphalt is infused with a fire-proof underlay that sets it at an A rating for fire-resilient roofing in Los Angeles.
Reused Tire Roofing
This is one of the few synthetic materials that will be found on this list. Similar to asphalt, reused tires becomes a fire-resilient roofing material when it’s melded with an underlay.
Metal Tile Roofing
Metal tile is a powerful roofing material that refuses to ignite. Zinc, copper, steel, stainless, any metal can be considered. It’s non-corrosive and resists damage better than most other fire-proof roofing materials. The trouble lies in the cost (metal tile is expensive) and the weight (might require extra support on a home).
Clay Roofing
Clay roofing is a popular fire-proof roofing material in Los Angeles. The material itself is non-combustible and sits at an A rating, however, that’s a bit deceptive. Unlike other roofing materials a popular design for clay is the half barrel design.
When crafting a fire-proof roofing material the idea is to defend against the biggest threat to a roofing fire - embers. If clay roofing is not properly set, insulated, embers can fly in through the gaps in between - rendering the material penetrated. This is an extremely popular material for roofers in Los Angeles, but it’s important to know the risks.
Slate Roofing
Timeless, indestructible, but costly. Slate is a valuable material that’s sought for its look as much as protection. It’s a hefty shield that needs support, and may not be an available option for many homeowners. Unlike other roofing materials, this requires a specialized roofer in Los Angeles, as its installation is not as layman.
B - C Rated Fire-Resilient Roofing Materials
Vinyl (PVC) Roofing
The only other synthetic material on this list. Vinyl is naturally resistant to fire and can either come as a supplement to other roofing materials - or the roofing itself. Although it does well when tested, it still sits at a B-C rating and may best be paired with other fire-resistant roofing materials as opposed to standing on its own.
Wood Roof / Wood Shake
While the rating for wooden roofing can climb to an A rating with an intent to preserve this classic look, in Los Angeles wooden roofing is banned.
Fire-Proof Roofing Replacement Los Angeles
Novel Remodeling is a general contractor in Los Angeles who handles each remodeling job with severe care. The life and quality of any given project is decided by the hands that install it, and we do it well.
Contact us to get a quote on what it takes to replace a roof with a higher quality fire-proof roofing material.
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