Fire Rated Roof Systems

How are roofs rated.

Fire rated roof systems.

One goal of this column will be to increase your understanding of each of these ratings and. Some roof coverings rely on an underlying material or special installation techniques to improve their fire rating. Our roof systems are rated by code for external fire resistance under deck exposure and time temperature resistance. Astm e108 defines fire test methods for roof.

Building codes establish fire resistance requirements for roofs based on the type of construction e g concrete steel wood for the building. Class a roofing is the preferred choice for any home but this type of roofing is particularly important if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires to achieve a class a rating the roof must be effective against severe fire exposure. Fire rated wall floor and ceiling assemblies provide the necessary fire and smoke barriers to create compartmentalization during a fire safeguarding against the spread of fire and smoke within a building or to and from a building. Ib roof systems has roofs still performing after more than 30 years.

We must emphasize however that individual roof components are not rated at all. These listings are short summaries to serve as a. Fire ratings for roof coverings that require an additional material are typically referred to as a by assembly as opposed to a stand alone fire rating. Designed to handle extreme temperatures these reinforced fire rated cap sheets provide an extra line of defense and protection for building inhabitants.

Class a fire rated tpo membranes and epdm can achieve underwriters laboratories ul class a fire resistance listings by adding fire retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process. Roofing systems are rated by realistic fire tests. Building code fire resistance requirements. Understanding roof fire ratings class a roofing.

These assemblies need to meet fire and smoke safety and environmental sustainability requirements. Fire ratings may pertain to resistance to fire from above the roof system the familiar class a b or c ratings or fire exposure from the building interior the underside of the roof deck. Prevent fire rated roofing system schools and hospitals can benefit from iko s prevent premium asphalt based roofing systems. Roofing systems must meet or exceed building codes and insurance requirements.

Non wicking reinforcement eliminates edge treatments. Tested roof systems are fire classified class a b or c where the most fire resistant roof assemblies are class a and class c is least resistant. Class a fire rated to better protect buildings and content.