Keeping your home or business safe from the devastating impacts of a fire is of paramount concern. One commonly overlooked area of fire safety? Your roof. Balken Roofing understands the critical role roofing plays in ensuring your property’s safety. In this post, we’ve listed five tips to fireproof your roof.
1. Choose Fire-Resistant Materials
Use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials for your roof. At Balken Roofing, we use GAF Timberline American Harvest and Timberline HD, both with Class A rating, which is the highest fire rating possible. This means they can withstand severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.
2. Install Fire Barriers
Fire barriers on roofs are materials or structures designed to prevent fire from spreading from one part of a building to another. They are typically installed in areas where the roof meets a fire-rated wall or at openings such as vents and skylights. These barriers help contain fires, limiting their potential to cause widespread damage within a structure. Consider incorporating fire barriers such as roof isolation, which prevents fire spread by having it in sections.
3. Routine Inspection and Maintenance
No matter the fire rating of your roof materials, regular inspection and maintenance remain crucial. From clearing up debris and dried leaves to checking for loose shingles — routine measures can significantly minimize fire risks.
4. Quality Gutter Maintenance
Clean gutters are essential in averting fire risks, as clogged gutters can easily catch fire from embers coming out of chimneys. Ensure regular cleaning, especially during dry seasons and consider installing gutter guards for added protection.
5. Vigilance During Dry Seasons
During extremely hot and dry seasons, always check for any signs of dried-out materials or build-ups, as they can potentially catch fire. Keeping the roof and surroundings damp can help mitigate these risks.
If you’re looking for a trusted roofer to help you with your fireproofing needs, don’t hesitate to call Balken Roofing at (828) 628-0390 or fill out our contact form.
