What Can I Do to Fireproof My Roof?

Colorado may not have the same fire risk as California or some of the other spots along the west coast in the United States, but the threat exists for homeowners everywhere. This is particularly true for homeowners who live on large expanses of property or in regions where rain is infrequent, leading to an abundance of dead, dry brush and flammable trees. Many fires start on the roof—something gets just a little too hot, sparking a fire that quickly consumes your home from the top down. Fortunately, as a homeowner there are several things you can do to reduce this threat as much as possible. Here are just a few of them.

Choose a Fire-Resistant Material

The single biggest thing you can do to improve the fire-resistance level of your roof is to build your roof out of a fire-resistant or non-flammable material. No matter how much you might try to burn something like stone or clay, it simply won’t catch, which dramatically reduces the chances of a fire igniting. Here are some popular fire-resistant roofing materials:

• Asphalt shingles: Shingles that are fiberglass-backed are fire resistant and found on around 80 percent of all roofs found across the country.
• Recycled rubber: These shingles are often made from things like old tires and other recycled materials, combined with fire-retardant materials. When combined with a fire-resistant underlayment, they form one of the best fire seals you can build for your home.
• Clay, concrete, or stone: To put it simple, these materials just don’t burn. They’re heavier than asphalt, so combined with snow they may put considerable strain on your roof, but the reduced fire risk can make them worth the investment.
• Metal: This is rapidly becoming a popular choice in areas like Colorado Springs due to its fire resistance and immense strength. This is the ideal material for steep-slope roofs, making them great for areas that have both a high fire risk as well as considerable annual snowfall.

Trim Away Tree Branches

Do you have trees near your home? Keeping branches a good ten feet away from your roof or more is a good way to prevent a burning one from falling onto your roof and catching it on fire. You may only need to do this every few years or so, but make sure you keep your home well clear of any possible overhangs, as they do present a substantial risk.

Clear Away Dead Bushes, Trees, & Debris

Dead plants like trees, bushes, brush, and leaves are all huge fire risks, meaning you need to keep them as far away from your property as possible. When these substances burn, they also easily blow and float through the air, potentially landing on your roof and sparking a fire with other debris that may have settled up there. If your property has dead plants or bushes, clear them away periodically,