Do Asphalt Shingles Burn and How to Choose a Fire Resistant Roof

Asphalt shingles can burn, but it's not a guarantee. In fact, most asphalt shingles are made with a fiberglass mat that is resistant to burning.

The fire resistance of asphalt shingles depends on the type of shingle and the materials used. For example, Class A shingles are made with a fiberglass mat that is treated with a fire-resistant coating.

A fire can start on the roof in various ways, including lightning strikes, electrical malfunctions, or nearby fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between 2014 and 2018, an estimated 22,000 home fires in the US were caused by lightning strikes.

To choose a fire-resistant roof, look for shingles with a Class A rating, which indicates the highest level of fire resistance.

Asphalt shingles are made from a petroleum waste, specifically asphalt, which is packed with grit. They are particularly dangerous to fire.

Burning asphalt shingles releases a complex cocktail of toxins into the air, soil, and water, including carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons. This is a serious environmental concern.

The toxins released by burning asphalt shingles can also travel to the soil and nearby streams of water, posing a risk to the environment. This risk is heightened when certain materials, such as asbestos, were used in the construction of older roofs.

Burning asphalt shingles is not only bad for the environment, but it's also illegal. Only the wood element of Construction and Demolition Debris can be burned, and burning treated wood, shingles, siding, wiring, insulation, and other non-wood items is prohibited.

Here are some safe ways to dispose of asphalt shingles:

Asphalt shingles have some degree of fire resistance, which is determined by their class rating. Most shingles fall into Class A, Class B, Class C, or Unrated, with each class rating associated with a range within the flame spread rating.

Asphalt shingles can catch fire, even if they're considered fully fire-resistant. Regular roof maintenance is key to minimizing the risk of fire exposure, especially for lower class-rated shingles like "Class B" and "Class C" ratings.

Performing routine tasks like cleaning gutters, removing debris from your roof, and conducting quarterly inspections can significantly reduce the risk of fire. This is especially important for homeowners with lower class-rated shingles.

To prevent fires, it's essential to avoid exposing your roof to flammable materials like sticks, grasses, and other combustible materials. By keeping your roof clean and debris-free, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire starting.

Here are some safe disposal options for old roofing shingles:

Preventing roofing shingle fires is a crucial aspect of home maintenance. Regular roof maintenance is key to removing debris like sticks, grasses, and other flammable materials from your roof.

Cleaning your gutters and performing a quarterly inspection can go a long way in keeping flammable materials off your roof's surface. This is especially important for asphalt shingles with lower class ratings, like Class B and Class C.

To minimize the risk of fire exposure, it's essential to remove debris from your roof. This includes sticks, grasses, and other flammable materials that can ignite and spread fire quickly.

Here are some ways to prevent roofing shingle fires:

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of roofing shingle fires and keep your home safe.

Roofing Safety Testing is a crucial aspect of ensuring your home is protected from fires. Class A rated fire resistant roofs are the safest option, and to achieve this rating, roofing products and systems must pass three rigorous tests.

The first test, the Intermittent Flame Test, involves subjecting an assembly of tiles to an intense flame for two minutes, then turning it off for two minutes. This cycle is repeated 15 times to see if there is failure in the roof deck. This test is repeated, and the results are impressive.

The Spread of Flame Test involves applying flame and air current to an assembly of roofing tiles for 10 consecutive minutes, then checking for failure. The results of this test are also crucial in determining the fire safety rating of a roof.

The Burning Brand Test is another test that roofing products and systems must pass to achieve a Class A rating. In this test, a burning brand is placed on an assembly of roofing tiles with a high volume of wind behind it, and the decking of the assembly is constantly monitored for 90 minutes to see if any fire burns through.

Here are the key differences between Class A, B, and C roofing materials:

Class A roofing shingles are top-rated for fire protection and can resist extreme heat for hours. They are made from materials such as clay, slate, and asphalt glass fiber composition.

Asphalt shingles come in different fire ratings, which affect how well they withstand fire and flames. There are three main ratings: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A shingles are fully fire-resistant, making them a great choice for homes in fire-prone areas. Class B shingles are mostly fire-resistant, while Class C shingles have a light or mild fire-resistance.

Fire damaged asphalt shingles become very flakey and brittle after being exposed to fire. They may break apart and fall off your roof, leaving a bare and exposed location that's vulnerable to further damage.

Asphalt shingles come in three different fire ratings: Class A, Class B, and Class C. These ratings determine the shingles' ability to resist fire and flames.

Class A shingles are considered fully fire-resistant, meaning they will not burn. They must limit flame spread to six feet or less and withstand 15 separate applications of gas flame. Class A shingles are available in various materials, including clay, slate, and asphalt glass fiber composition.

Class B shingles are mostly fire-resistant, but they can ignite under certain conditions. They must limit flame spread to eight feet or less and withstand eight applications of gas flame. Examples of Class B shingles include pressure-treated shakes.

Class C shingles have a slight degree of fire resistance, but they are not recommended for residential or commercial buildings. They must resist three applications of gas flame and withstand a burning brand for at least 20 minutes.

Here's a summary of the fire ratings for roof shingles:

It's essential to note that Class C shingles are not recommended for use on residential or commercial buildings.

Fire damaged asphalt shingles become very flakey and almost 'brittle', making them prone to breaking apart and falling off your roof.

They may break apart and simply fall off your roof, leaving a bare and exposed location where they used to sit.

This exposes your roof to additional damage from flooding, leaking, and other issues the shingles are meant to protect.

Lower rating asphalt shingles can even begin to melt and drip off of your roof if exposed to high enough temperatures.