Is Asphalt Roofing Fire Resistant?

Is asphalt roofing fire resistant? Yes, many of the available asphalt shingles have a class A fire rating.

What is a Class A Fire Rating?

Using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) tunnel test, the flame spread classifications are developed. Class A rating designates superior fire protection. Class A fire ratings indicate flame-spread of 0-25 and smoke developed between 0-450 and are the highest ratings.

However, do not expose asphalt shingles to a greater temperature than average roof temperature highs, which, in Texas, can be 190. The shingles, however, will only get too soft and be exposed to an accelerated pace of degradation; they will not catch fire at these temperatures.

What are the Best Fire Resistant Roofing Materials?

While many asphalt shingles are Class A fire resistant, other materials like slate, metal, and tile roofing are better choices.

All three of these roof materials are good choices for a fire-resistant roof if you want more protection than asphalt shingles provide.

Using other materials like DensDeck, a gypsum board, increases fire resistance.