Fire Resistant Roofing

Fire Rating: Class C or Unrated (for untreated cedar) – Lowest fire resistance. Dry wood roofing is highly flammable and can ignite quickly from wind-blown embers or sparks. The rough texture and gaps between shakes can trap embers, providing more opportunities for them to start a fire. Even pressure-treated wood shakes (often initially classified as Class B) lose their fire retardant properties over time and remain vulnerable in extreme fire conditions. Pros: Wood shingles have a natural, rustic appearance and insulating qualities. Cons: Inferior fire safety (a significant reason many municipalities discourage or ban wood roofs in high-risk zones). They also require frequent maintenance – they can rot, split, or grow moss in our wet BC climate. Their lifespan (~20–25 years at best) is relatively short, and they offer low impact resistance. Bottom line: Unless a wood shake roof is specifically treated and regularly retreated for fire resistance, it poses a significant fire hazard and is not recommended in areas prone to wildfires.

Fire Rating: Class A (with proper installation). Standard asphalt fibreglass shingles are commonly manufactured to achieve Class A ratings, but this often assumes they are installed with a fire-resistant underlayment or sealant for the assembly to pass the tests. Asphalt shingles have mineral granules on their surface that can help resist light embers. However, extreme heat can still cause asphalt to melt or even ignite if flames are in direct contact. Flying embers can ignite debris on an asphalt roof, or, if shingles are old and curling, embers may penetrate those gaps.

Pros: Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and common roofing material. They are relatively easy to install, come in many styles, and a new fibreglass-based roof does provide decent fire resistance (Class A) initially. Cons: Asphalt is still an oil-based product – it's not truly non-combustible, so in a prolonged fire exposure (for example, a structure fire from the inside or a heavy ember shower outside), it can fail. Moreover, asphalt roofs have a limited lifespan (~15–30 years) and tend to degrade under the effects of UV radiation and weather. As shingles age, their fire performance can also degrade (cracked or curled shingles create openings for fire). Asphalt roofs also require periodic maintenance (replacing missing shingles, etc.) and will need replacement far sooner than tile, metal, or slate roofs.

Fire Rating: Class A – Highest fire resistance. Metal panels or shingles are non-combustible, meaning they do not burn or support flame spread. A metal roof will not ignite from embers or direct flame contact; it also blocks fire from reaching the combustible structure underneath. In wildfire scenarios, metal roofing has proven to perform exceptionally – it can withstand sustained ember showers and radiant heat without catching fire. Pros: Aside from top-tier fire protection, metal roofs are highly durable and long-lived, with a lifespan of 50+ years or more (Interlock's aluminum roofs come with a Lifetime warranty). They shed rain and snow easily (suitable for BC's wet winters) and are lightweight (reducing structural strain). Modern metal roofing can be made to resemble shingles, slate or shakes, offering aesthetic versatility. Metal is also environmentally friendly – Interlock's aluminum roofing, for example, is made from up to 95% recycled material – and is fully recyclable at the end of its life. Metal roofs are low maintenance (they won't rot, warp, or crack).

Additionally, they're often energy-efficient: reflective coatings on metal can reduce solar heat absorption, keeping homes cooler in the summer. There's even an added safety bonus: metal is conductive but not flammable, so it can safely dissipate lightning strikes (critical in thunderstorms) without fire risk. Cons: The main drawbacks are the higher upfront cost compared to asphalt and the requirement for professional installation. Some homeowners worry about noise (rain on metal) or potential for dents (from large hail), but quality metal roofs are designed with solid sheathing and coatings to dampen noise and resist impacts. Overall, for fire-prone areas, the "cons" of metal are minor compared to the critical benefit of protecting your home from fire.

Fire Rating: Class A (inherent). Clay tiles and concrete tiles are made of non-combustible materials (ceramic or cement), so the tiles themselves will not burn and can withstand high temperatures. This makes them a popular Class A option, historically used in many fire-prone regions (think of Mediterranean or Spanish tile roofs). Pros: Tiles have a long lifespan (50+ years easily), and clay tiles can last decades longer with proper care. They offer a distinctive architectural look and are very effective against fire on the surface. They also insulate against heat well. Cons: The weight of tile roofing is significant – a tile roof can weigh 5–10 times as much as an asphalt roof. This means your house must have a structure built or reinforced to carry that load. Another concern is that while the tiles don't burn, the roof underlayment and supports (such as wooden battens and trusses) can burn. In an intense fire, if those supports ignite, the heavy tiles may collapse through the roof structure. Clay/concrete tiles must be installed correctly, including the use of fire-resistant underlayments and sealing any gaps where embers could blow under the tiles. Broken or missing tiles should be fixed promptly, as these openings can allow embers to reach the sub-roof. Maintenance involves checking for cracked tiles and ensuring that flashings and mortar are in good condition. Finally, tile can be moderately expensive (though concrete tiles are cheaper than clay or slate). In summary, a Class A tile roof provides excellent fire protection, but it's heavy and only as good as the entire assembly and upkeep.

Class A (inherent). Slate is a stone, and it's completely non-combustible. A slate roof offers outstanding fire resistance and is often regarded as a premium roofing material for both its beauty and performance. Pros: Slate roofs are highly durable, with lifespans of 80–100 years or more not uncommon. They are highly fire-resistant, immune to rot and insects, and have a classic appearance (often seen on historic or high-end homes). Cons: Slate is hefty (akin to or heavier than concrete tile), requiring strong structural support. It is also one of the most expensive roofing options upfront, both in terms of material and installation costs. Installation must be done by skilled craftsmen familiar with slate. Like tile, individual slats can crack or slip over time and need occasional repair (stepping on a slate can break it, so roof access needs care). Overall, if budget and structure permit, slate provides superb fire protection and longevity, but it is usually chosen for its luxury status as much as its performance.

Fire Rating: Varies by product; many Class A options available. This category includes roofing made from rubber (often recycled tires) or other composites that mimic the appearance of wood shakes or slate. Advanced synthetic shingles are usually formulated with fire retardants to meet Class A standards. Pros: These products can offer the appearance of wood or slate with much improved fire resistance. They are generally lighter weight than real stone or clay, and many are quite durable (impact-resistant, with warranties of 30–50 years). Some synthetic shingles also have reflective "cool roof" versions to reduce heat absorption. They are often made from recycled materials (like rubber/plastic), so there's an eco-friendly aspect. Cons: The cost of quality synthetic roofing is on the higher side (comparable to metal or tile costs). Since products vary, one should verify the specific fire rating – not all synthetic shakes are Class A (some might be B). There is also a shorter long-term track record, as many composites are relatively new to the market (the oldest have been in use for only a few decades). If exposed to extreme heat, some plastics can deform; however, Class A-rated synthetics have been tested to ensure they will not ignite or allow flame spread under severe conditions. Overall, synthetic shingles can be an excellent fire-safe alternative to wood, achieving the coveted Class A rating while delivering a similar look, along with good longevity and lower maintenance.

Metal, slate, and tile roofs far outlast those made of wood or asphalt. For instance, a metal or concrete tile roof can easily last 50 years or more (Interlock's aluminum roofs are designed as lifetime systems), whereas asphalt or wood roofs may need replacement after 20 years or so. Slate can even last up to 100 years of service. Synthetic composites often come with warranties of 30 to 50 years.

Wood roofs demand the most upkeep (cleaning debris, applying preservatives, replacing split shingles). Asphalt shingles require periodic inspection for damage or moss, but are easier to repair. Metal and slate are low-maintenance – they don't rot or degrade like organic materials. Tile roofs need occasional tile replacement and debris removal from valleys. A well-installed metal roof, in particular, may require little more than gutter cleaning and the occasional check on flashings over the course of decades of use.

On a structural level, heavy materials (such as tile and slate) may require reinforcement of the roof structure. Lighter options, such as metal, asphalt, or synthetics, can often be installed on standard roofs without requiring exceptional engineering. For example, switching from an old cedar shake roof to metal can lighten the load on your home, while switching to tile requires structural upgrades.

Upfront costs range widely. Asphalt is usually the most cost-effective option for installation; wood shakes, synthetic shingles, and basic metal shingles tend to fall in the mid-range; high-end metals (such as copper and standing seam), clay tile, and slate are at the higher end. However, consider the life-cycle cost: a longer-lasting roof, such as metal or tile, may be more economical in the long run than replacing asphalt shingles twice or three times over the same period. Additionally, a fire-resistant roof can yield insurance discounts (more on that next), offsetting some of the cost.Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

Interlock's heavy-gauge aluminum roof in combination with underlayment requirements, meets Class A fire standards, offering the maximum protection available. Unlike wood or conventional shingles, which ignite easily, aluminum roofing will not catch fire or sustain a flame. In a wildfire scenario, embers burn out on the surface of a metal roof instead of igniting it. And if a neighbouring building catches fire, a Class A metal roof can prevent flames from spreading to your home. This robust fire performance has real-life validation – as mentioned earlier, homes with metal roofs survived major fires in Kelowna and Lytton because the roofs never ignited. Choosing a Class A roof, like Interlock, gives your home a fighting chance even in the most extreme fire events.

Aluminum is a non-combustible material, meaning it cannot burn. Interlock panels interlock together (hence the name) and are installed over fire-resistant underlayments, forming a shield against fire entry. Even under intense heat, an aluminum roof won't contribute fuel to the fire – this helps confine a fire and gives firefighters more time to respond. By contrast, traditional roofs (especially those made of wood) can act as fuel, causing the fire to spread rapidly across the house. With Interlock, your roof is one less thing to worry about in the event of a fire. Many homeowners in wildfire regions report greater peace of mind sleeping at night under a non-combustible roof.

During a wildfire, the real test of a roof is how it handles embers and radiant heat. Interlock Metal Roofing is designed explicitly with interlocking panels and tight seams that block embers from penetrating. There are no loose, flammable materials (such as wood splinters or asphalt granules) that could ignite embers. The smooth metal surface and ridge ventilation design also mean embers are more likely to slide off or burn out harmlessly. Additionally, aluminum can reflect a portion of radiant heat. In wildfire simulations, metal roofs have been shown to remain intact and protect the decking underneath from ignition, even when embers pelt down for hours. This level of ember resistance is critical, since most homes ignite from ember attack on the roof or porch rather than direct flame contact.

Interlock roofs are built to last 50 years or more, making them a virtually lifetime roof. This durability means your fire protection also lasts a lifetime. You won't face the periodic weakening of fire resistance that occurs as wood or asphalt roofs age (e.g., no curling shingles or decaying shakes that embers could exploit). Aluminum doesn't rust, rot, or crack. It's also lightweight (much lighter than tile or even asphalt), so it doesn't stress your home's structure – an important consideration in areas that might also experience earthquakes or heavy snow. Maintenance is minimal: Interlock panels feature a high-performance coating that doesn't require painting, and their design effectively resists moss and debris buildup. In short, you get permanent protection without the headache of frequent upkeep. This also means fewer roof replacements, resulting in lower long-term costs and reduced material waste.

A significant benefit of Interlock's aluminum roofing is its energy-saving properties. The roofs come with a solar-reflective "Cool Roof" coating (with CRRC-rated colours) that reflects a significant portion of the sun's heat. This helps keep your attic and home cooler in BC's summer months, reducing the air conditioning load. In winter, the smooth surface sheds snow, preventing ice damming issues. Environmentally, metal roofing is a wise choice: as mentioned, Interlock uses ~95% recycled aluminum in its product, and at the end of its life, the entire roof is recyclable. That contrasts with asphalt shingles, which mostly end up in landfills every 20 years. By choosing metal, you're not only ensuring fire safety but also contributing to sustainability. (Interlock Metal Roofing is proud to have an Eco-Star designation for its recycled content and energy efficiency.)

Many insurance companies recognize the superior fire resistance of a Class A metal roof and offer discounts on homeowners' insurance for those who upgrade. Homeowners have reported premium reductions – in Canada, one source notes an average of 15% savings on insurance for using fire-resistant materials in the home. It's worth checking with your provider; a Class A roof could pay back dividends over time in insurance savings. Additionally, a permanent metal roof can boost your property value. Future buyers in BC will increasingly appreciate homes that are already Wildfire FireSmart. A Class A roof, a lifetime warranty, and lower energy bills are strong selling points that set your home apart. And most importantly, investing in a fire-safe roof is an investment in protecting your family and property – it's hard to put a price on that peace of mind.

British Columbia's climate is not just about wildfires – we also get heavy rain, windstorms, and in some regions, snow and ice. Interlock Metal Roofing is engineered for all-weather durability. It's wind-resistant (interlocking panels are often rated for winds of up to 120 km/h or more), and there are no shingles to blow off in a storm. It's waterproof, with a unique interlocking system that prevents leaks. For snowy areas (e.g., the Thompson-Nicola or Interior mountains), metal roofs shed snow quickly, thereby reducing the roof load. Fire-resistant doesn't mean compromise in other places – you get a roof that can handle everything BC's climate throws at it, from wildfires to winter storms. This resilience further underscores the long-term value of a metal roofing system.

• Interlock Roofing – Fire Roofing resource (Class A aluminum roofing features)  
• FireSmart Canada – Roofing fact sheet (importance of Class A and maintenance)