Is there a document or any resource that you could provide me to understand the differences of roof types? Class A, B and C? 

What are the fire ratings? How is it determined?

Comments

Here is the desciption of roof types (from bswroofing website)

The 3 tests that determine roofing materials resistance to:

  1. to intermittent flame, 
  2. Flame spread and 
  3. ignition from burning brands. 

To earn the appropriate UL Class A, Class B, or Class C, rating the roof material must not, at any time during or after each of the tests:

  • Blow or fall off the deck as flaming or glowing brands.
  • Break, slide, crack or warp to expose the roof deck.
  • Allow the roof deck to fall away as glowing particles.
  • Allow sustained flaming of the underside of the roof deck.

Class "A": The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing as per ASTM E-108. Indicates roofing is able to withstand severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Class "B": Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand moderate exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Class "C": Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand light exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

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Please read the following presentation: Fire Ratings for Roof (pdf)

There are two more documents -which I thought would be helpful- attached to this comment.

Having the right roof on your house is really critical when it comes to preventing a fire. According from what I've read, the roofing material on a class A roof will be noncombustible such as tile, metal, or slate. While a class B roof will contain combustible materials that have been treated with chemicals that make them fire retardant.

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13 years 8 months ago