Roof

What it is.

The outer covering of your home, from the ridge down to the edge, together with the layer directly beneath it. Composition shingle, tile, metal, and wood shake are all roof coverings, and they behave very differently under an ember shower.

Why it matters.

The roof is the largest surface your house presents to the sky, so it catches whatever falls. Embers gather where the roof slows them down, in valleys, behind chimneys, and along the lower edge. A covering that will not ignite gives those embers nothing to start with. A covering that will ignite gives a fire a hold on the highest and hardest to reach part of the building.

What good looks like.

A Class A rated roof covering in sound condition, with no missing or lifted pieces, no gaps at the ridge or edge, and no accumulated debris sitting on it.

How it is judged.

Roof coverings are rated by fire test under ASTM E108 and UL 790. The Class A rating is the highest of the three, and it is earned by passing an intermittent flame test, a flame spread test, and a burning brand test on the assembly. California insurers who price on wildfire risk are required to account for the roof under 10 CCR 2644.9(d)(1)(B)2.a.

What we will ask you.

"What is your roof made of, and do you know whether it carries a Class A fire rating?"

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