Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It completes the structure and protects you, your family and your possessions. One of the worst things that can happen to your home is a fire. If the roof gets destroyed or severely damaged, everything you’ve worked hard to buy or build could be gone in an instant. Thankfully, there are measures you can put in place to reduce the risk of fire damage.
Start with Fire-Resistant Materials
If you’re constructing a new home or replacing your roof completely, you need to choose the right materials. The most fire-resistant materials include fiberglass-based asphalt shingles and concrete, clay and slate tiles. Class A roofing materials are most fire-resistant while those which are unrated are the least resistant. The materials in the higher classes are more expensive but they offer the most protection. Speak to your roofing contractor in Greenville, SC about your options.
Repair Damaged Areas of the Roof Promptly
Even if you have highly fire-resistant roofing material, you need to ensure that any gaps or holes are fixed. The damaged areas won’t offer the same level of protection as the sections that are intact. If some of your shingles are missing or your flashing is compromised, fire could sneak through them.
Keep Your Roof Clean
You also need to make sure you clear the roof of debris. If debris on the roof catches fire and it burns for a long time, the heat could reach your roofing materials. When the leaves drop during fall or high winds tear away small branches, clear them as soon as possible.
Keep Around Your House Clear
Leaves, grass, wood and any kind of debris pose a risk to your home. If you have lots of these things around your home and roof, fire could make its way straight to the top. It’s best to trim trees which may pose a hazard and avoid stacking firewood near the house. Creating a clear buffer zone around the building can also reduce the risk of fire spreading.
Ensure Your Electrical System is in Good Condition
Attic and roof fires are often due to problems with electrical wiring. You’re also likely to have light fixtures and conduit on or near your roof. If they malfunction, the resulting electrical wire can damage the rooftop. Getting professional maintenance on your electrical system can make a big difference. Be sure to get the wiring inspected especially if you have an older home or you can’t remember the last inspection. If you notice flickering lights or your breakers have been tripping, something is wrong. In addition, roof leaks can cause electrical problems in your attic so you should also look for signs of water damage.
Get a Lighting Arrestor Installed
A bolt of lightning during a thunderstorm can start a fire on your roof. This is not the most likely threat, but you can easily prevent damage by installing a lightning arrestor. This is a copper or brass alloy device which provides a safe path for electricity to travel.
Keep Your Chimney Clean
If you want to further minimize the possibility of fire damaging your roof, you have to keep the chimney clean. Over time, partially combusted materials and organic debris form a layer inside the chimney. This build-up can easily catch afire and send sparks up to the roof. When you clean your chimney on a regular basis, you reduce the risk of this happening. Try to clear it at least once per year just before winter.
If you want to know more about how you can make your roof fire-resistant, contact Lanier Roofing. Our Greenville roofers will advise you on everything you can do to protect your roof. If your roof has already sustained fire damage, we can carry out the repairs you need.
Even when a house fire doesn’t actually damage the roof, you may have water damage. Firefighters may have also had to make holes in the roof to access the fire or reduce the risk of heating gases exploding. In either case, you’ll be left with damage which needs to be repaired urgently. Instead of trying to do the work yourself, it’s best to hire professionals.
All you have to do is call us so we can inspect the property and give you an estimate. We’re experts at what we do, and we pride ourselves on delivering excellent service. Contact our team today!
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