The materials used in roofing feature differing degrees of fire resistance. When choosing a type of roof, in addition to the overall appearance of the materials, it’s also important to consider how it will hold up in the event of a fire. Even if a fire occurs in a structure or area that’s nearby, burning embers can find their way to your roof and potentially cause a problem. Is your roof adequately designed to resist the damages of fire? It ultimately depends on the type of shingles you’ve chosen.

Wood – Any type of roofing material made out of wood is going to have a higher risk of damage because wood is naturally more flammable. Wood can, of course, be treated to help make it a little safer, but if this is your chosen material, you should be cognizant of the increased risk.

Asphalt – Shingles made of asphalt material are designed to withstand fire for a significant amount of time. The good news is, this is also one of the most affordable types of roof coverings, which makes it a top choice for many property owners. In areas that are particularly prone to fires, however, a better-grade material might be a wiser investment.

Concrete or Clay – Roofing tiles constructed from either concrete or clay are known to be very reliable in terms of fire resistance. Unfortunately, given their heavy weight, they usually require additional structural support. For this reason, clay and concrete are used primarily for commercial buildings rather than residential homes.

Slate – Slate roofing is particularly useful when it comes to choosing a material that will not burn. Of course, because of this, slate roofing can be much more expensive to install. It’s also similar to clay and concrete roofing in that it’s much heavier and subsequently often requires the installation of additional beams and braces.

Metal – The last material on the list is metal, which comes in a variety of options, including copper, zinc and steel. Metal roofs are very resistant to fire. They’re also much more practical and affordable for structures that feature steep sloping roofs.

If you’re in the process of choosing a roofing product and fire-resistance is a priority, your best bet is to sit down and discuss your project with an experienced Nashville roofing professional. This will allow you to gain a clearer understanding of what your options are and help you decide on a material that suits your needs, budget and safety requirements.