Wildfire Prevention Safety Tips with Metal Roofing & Siding
Fire Resistance
Wildfires are a growing threat for many homeowners, with more than 10 million residential properties in the U.S. at high or extreme risk. The roof and exterior materials you choose can make a big difference in fire-prone areas. Metal roofing & siding provide exceptional protection compared to combustible materials and give homeowners peace of mind. There are also proven methods to prepare homes for the devastating impacts of wildfires.
Metal roofing & siding is fire resistant: Roof assemblies are Class A Fire Rated when installed on non-combustible deck or framing per IBC, IRC, or when installed in accordance with UL listings (UL790). Metal will not ignite, acting as a barrier between the fire and your home’s vulnerable framing and interior.
Durability Against Embers
Metal’s non-combustible properties are crucial, but it also stands up to other wildfire threats. During a wildfire, wind-blown embers can become lodged and smolder in nooks and crannies, igniting combustible materials. Metal’s smooth, bare surfaces leave nowhere for embers to catch and penetrate. This helps make metal roofing and siding an ideal choice for homes in wildfire-prone areas, as it resists ignition and prevents embers from compromising the structure.
Preparing Homes for Wildfire
Following information provide courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association.
What are the primary threats to homes during a wildfire?
Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.
There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home or any attachments. Experiments, models and post-fire studies have shown homes ignite due to the condition of the home and everything around it, up to 200’ from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
What is the Home Ignition Zone?
The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by retired USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat. The HIZ is divided into three zones; Immediate, Intermediate, and Extended Zone. Click here to learn more about these three zones.
Reducing the risk of home ignition is crucial, and one effective measure is to clean your roof regularly. Cleaning critical areas, such as valleys, roof transitions, and behind chimneys, helps minimize potential fire hazards. Removing debris, leaves, and other flammable materials can significantly reduce the risk of ignition during a fire event. Click here to learn more about metal roof cleaning tips.
Wildfire Resources & Information
Building codes have continued to evolve over the years to help reduce wildfire spread, help prevent property damage, and to reduce the risk of life. Requirements can vary greatly by state and local jurisdictions, but two of the prominent driving fire codes today are the IWUIC “International Wildland-Urban Interface Code” and Ch.7A “Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure” of the California Building Code (CBC).
What are some key IWUIC requirements, and how do ASC Building Products help homeowners meet these requirements?
Per the Wildland-Urban Interface Code, roofs shall have a roof assembly that complies with a Class A fire resistance rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790. While ASC Building Products’ metal roof panels are inherently fire resistant due to their metal construction, that alone does not make an entire roof assembly ‘Class A’ fire rated. Using fire-rated underlayments or non-combustible gypsum deck boards will usually be required to meet the ASTM E108 or UL790 Class A designation per IWUIC requirements.
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