Denver Roofing Professionals Suggestions for Fire Safety
May 11, 2016
Many residents who live in the foothills or high up in the Rockies look forward to the beauty of the spring and summer months, but are apprehensive about the elevated fire danger hot and dry weather can bring. This spring we’ve had a lot of moisture, so hopefully it won’t be an issue. However, you can never be too prepared. Even if you live in the city, you could be at risk for a fire during the dry summer months. Stray barbecue embers, Independence Day fireworks, or even electrical wires frayed by urban wildlife, can cause a fire. Denver roof specialists know that many fires that end up destroying entire homes could have been prevented, and we would be happy to come and point out any hazards we see.
Clear Debris
The most obvious first step to take in reducing your fire risk is to clear the roof of debris. Cut away any branches that could easily come into contact with your roof or siding. Dead branches should kept away from your chimney as well. Make sure your gutters are clear of any dry pine needles, dead leaves, or other items that might serve as tinder.
Seal Entry Points
Open eaves and vents can allow flames and embers to enter the interior of your structure. We can install metal or cement stops to ensure this doesn’t happen. Be sure that chimneys or other openings are guarded by a grate. Birds or wildlife that get into your attic can pose another kind of fire hazard by chewing and exposing wires. You may also consider installing weather stripping around and under garage doors to keep embers from entering and be sure that there are no combustible materials stored in your garage.
Know Your Roof’s Fire Rating
Roofing materials are rated with either a Class A, B, or C rating with A offering the most protection from fire. One example of a Class A fire resistant material is asphalt composition shingles. They are resistant to fire and are able to withstand winds up to 130 mph, and some include a rubber substrate that is hail resistant. Depending on when and how your home was built, tile might be another good Class A option. It is resistant to fire and inclement weather but it is also rather heavy so not a good choice for some construction types. Perhaps the most fire and impact resistant material is stone coated steel. It is available in a variety of colors and comes in tile, shake, and shingle form. Though this option is more expensive to install, it can be expected to last up to 50 years.
Give us a call at 303-618-9889 for an appointment with our Denver residential roofing technicians. We’ll let you know about any immediate fire hazards we spot. We can also let you know where your roof may be falling below current building code standards and may need updating for safety reasons. Before the dry season starts it’s important to assess your home’s vulnerability and possibly discuss a change in roofing materials. For more ideas on how to Protect Your Property from Wildfire you can download a booklet from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
Go Back Clear Debris
The most obvious first step to take in reducing your fire risk is to clear the roof of debris. Cut away any branches that could easily come into contact with your roof or siding. Dead branches should kept away from your chimney as well. Make sure your gutters are clear of any dry pine needles, dead leaves, or other items that might serve as tinder.
Seal Entry Points
Open eaves and vents can allow flames and embers to enter the interior of your structure. We can install metal or cement stops to ensure this doesn’t happen. Be sure that chimneys or other openings are guarded by a grate. Birds or wildlife that get into your attic can pose another kind of fire hazard by chewing and exposing wires. You may also consider installing weather stripping around and under garage doors to keep embers from entering and be sure that there are no combustible materials stored in your garage.
Know Your Roof’s Fire Rating
Roofing materials are rated with either a Class A, B, or C rating with A offering the most protection from fire. One example of a Class A fire resistant material is asphalt composition shingles. They are resistant to fire and are able to withstand winds up to 130 mph, and some include a rubber substrate that is hail resistant. Depending on when and how your home was built, tile might be another good Class A option. It is resistant to fire and inclement weather but it is also rather heavy so not a good choice for some construction types. Perhaps the most fire and impact resistant material is stone coated steel. It is available in a variety of colors and comes in tile, shake, and shingle form. Though this option is more expensive to install, it can be expected to last up to 50 years.
Give us a call at 303-618-9889 for an appointment with our Denver residential roofing technicians. We’ll let you know about any immediate fire hazards we spot. We can also let you know where your roof may be falling below current building code standards and may need updating for safety reasons. Before the dry season starts it’s important to assess your home’s vulnerability and possibly discuss a change in roofing materials. For more ideas on how to Protect Your Property from Wildfire you can download a booklet from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.