Maximizing fire resistance with metal

By Anna Lockhart.  

Taking a closer look at the most common ways metal roofing materials help protect homes and businesses from wildfires.  

Across the western United States and Canada, wildfire season poses a serious risk to people and their homes. Building intentionally with fire protection in mind is not just a recommendation, but a necessity these days. Whether you’re looking to reroof your current residence or building a new property, choosing a roofing material designed to resist fires and endure decades of wildfire seasons to come is key. Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), in their mission to educate roofers and homeowners of the value of metal roofing materials, shared valuable insights into why metal roofs are the ideal solution to protect your home against fires.  

As the MRA notes, there are three main concerns to think about when it comes to a home catching fire: wind-driven embers, radiant heat and direct flames. Traditional roofing materials such as shingles can be susceptible to significant damage from direct flames or embers. On the other hand, materials like metal are designed to withstand the flames; from the sleek panel designs to the non-combustible makeup of metal itself. 

As flames can reach intense temperatures, the threshold of a roofing material’s resistance to heat is important to consider. In regions where wildfires are common possibilities, knowing what your roof can withstand is crucial. Considering this, metal is yet again a reasonable option. Common material makeup of metal panels can include a base of steel (melting point starting at ~2,500°F), aluminum (~1,200°F) or copper (~1,980°F), all of which have a minimum melting point multiple times higher than traditional materials.  

With these details in mind, it’s easy to build a picture of what metal materials can do to help fortify your roof’s defense against fire. Metal’s non-combustible composition, higher ignition resistance and modern panel design are critical factors that each play into the overall durability and outstanding lifespan metal roofs can offer in the face of natural disasters and weather like wildfire season.  

Read the MRA’s full article breaking down the science behind metal’s superiority when it comes to wildfire protection!