Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home. It protects you, your family, your possessions, and the rest of the home structure. Fire is one of the worst things that can happen to your home – and if the roof is badly damaged or destroyed, everything it protects can be exposed to the elements and ruined. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of this type of damage to your roof.
Choose Fire-Resistant Materials
Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your existing roof, it is very important to select the right materials. Class A roofing materials offer the best fire resistance, while unrated materials are the least resistant. Clay, slate, and concrete tiles, as well as fiberglass-based asphalt shingles, are all extremely fire resistant and are an excellent choice to help you reduce the risk of fire damage. You can always discuss the pros and cons of various options with our experienced roofers in Glencoe, IL.
Promptly Repair Damaged Areas of Your Roof
Damaged areas where gaps or holes are present won’t offer the same level of protection as the rest of your roof, no matter what type of roofing material you choose. When the flashing is compromised or shingles are missing, fire can spread quickly into these areas.
Keep Your Roof Free from Debris
Always keep debris from accumulating on your roof. If roof debris catches fire, in can burn for a long period of time, allowing the heat to reach the roofing materials. Clear leaves and small branches as soon as possible after storms and windy periods.
Clear the Area Around your Home
Keep trees, stacks of wood, and any other type of combustible debris away from the sides of your house whenever possible. If any of these things catch fire, the flames will likely make it straight to the roof. Having a clear buffer zone around your home also reduces the risk of fire spreading.
Keep Your Electrical System in Good Condition
Problems with electrical wiring are often the cause of attic and roof fires. Conduit and light fixtures are usually installed close to the roof, and if they malfunction, it may result in fire damage to the roof. Be sure to have your wiring inspected, especially if you live in an older home and can’t remember ever having it inspected before. If your breakers seem to be tripping too often, or your lights begin flickering, it is usually a sign that something is wrong.
Install a Lightning Arrestor
Although this is an unlikely threat, lightning can start a fire on your roof. By installing a lightning arrestor, you can easily prevent this type of fire. The arrestor is a device made of brass or copper which provides a safe path for electricity to travel to the ground.
Keep Your Chimney Clean
Partially combusted materials and debris form a layer inside the chimney over time. This build-up can easily ignite, sending sparks out onto the roof, so make sure to have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis. It should be cleaned at least once a year, preferably before the winter heating season.
Reach Out to Showalter Roofing
At Showalter Roofing, our expert roofers near Glencoe, IL are available to inspect, repair, and replace your roof, as well as providing advice on how to best maintain it. If your roof has already been damaged due to fire or any other cause, give us a call today. We take pride in delivering exceptional service – using quality materials – at reasonable prices!
