Forged in fire

By Emma Peterson. 

Investing in a fire-resistant roofing solution can save money and lives. 

Across the United States, wildfires have become more intense and more frequent — and their impact can be devastating. Beyond heartbreaking injuries, property damage and even loss of life, fires can cripple local economies and destroy entire communities. The Insurance Information Institute reported in 2023 that wildfires cost $10 billion in damages. While that report represented an already significant financial impact, wildfire-related costs have escalated sharply in just two years. The Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025 were the costliest event so far this year and on record — exceeding $60 billion, or about twice as much as the previous record, according to Climate Central. 

So, what can we do in the face of this force of nature? Build back stronger than ever.  

One of the best ways to build with wildfire risk in mind is to use Class A fire-rated assemblies, including roofing and cladding systems. As Eric Miller, VP of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products, explains, “We understand the growing challenges builders, developers and homeowners face in wildfire-prone areas [and created] our Class A fire-rated roofing solutions [to] offer superior protection without compromising style or performance.” 

Why Class A fire rating and WUI compliance matter 

Westlake Royal’s fire-resistant products and assembly solutions are carefully engineered to safeguard homes by offering advanced protection against wind-blown embers, radiant heat and flames. This is especially critical in Very High Wildfire or Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones — areas where communities meet undeveloped wildland and are at the highest risk for wildfire exposure. Building codes in these regions often require roofing systems to meet the strictest standards, such as Class A fire ratings and WUI compliance, to help prevent ignition from embers and slow the spread of fire. 

When more communities are built with fire-rated roof assemblies and non-combustible materials, fires are less likely to spread rapidly, saving both money and lives. 

Fire-resistant products from Westlake Royal Building Products: 

• Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile: Non-combustible concrete enables Class A fire rating for all Newpoint roof tile assemblies. Newpoint tiles are approved for use in wildfire-prone areas, including those designated as Very High Wildfire and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones. 
• US Tile Clay Roofing Products: These clay tiles are naturally non-combustible and fire resistant and all clay tile roof assemblies meet a Class A fire rating, making them approved for use in wildfire-prone areas, including Very High Wildfire and WUI zones.  
• Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing: These steel roofing panels are shielded with ceramic-coated granules for greater fire and weather resistance. Unified Steel provides various assembly options that meet Class A fire ratings, as specified in its product listing, allowing use in Very High Wildfire and WUI zones. 
• DaVinci Roofscapes: Composite roofing from DaVinci meets Class A fire rating when installed in accordance with a variety of assembly options, making it suitable for use in wildfire-prone regions.  
• Westlake Royal Roofing Components: Many Westlake Royal Roofing components — such as fire-resistant underlayments — are designed to improve the fire resistance of roof assemblies and meet wildfire and WUI code requirements. 

Community impact 

By choosing fire-rated, WUI-compliant roofing, homeowners and builders help reduce the risk of fire spread, minimize property damage and potentially lower insurance costs. These resilient products not only protect individual homes but also contribute to the safety and sustainability of entire communities in fire-prone landscapes. 

To learn more about Westlake’s fire-rated products that combine durability, versatility and performance, visit their website.