Your roofing system is one of the main components that protect your home and or commercial building. Here in California, we have to be aware of the fact that many homes are in danger of catching fire and we must prepare for the worst.

Of course, no one wants to think about their property getting caught on fire but it's a reality we must face and be proactive about. Fire damage to your roof and home is an expensive and emotional calamity we should never have to deal with.

With that in mind, there are steps we can take to protect our homes and decrease the dangers of fire damage.

Fire Resistant Roofing Materials
The best action step you can take to decrease the risk of fire damage is to install fire-resistant roofing shingles. The most popular materials include asphalt composition (highly recommended), tile or clay, or metal.

These materials have built-in fire-resistant components that are not as vulnerable to sparks compared to wood shake shingles. Additionally, make sure your roofing materials are high performing and have a class A, B, or C rating.

Get a certified electrical survey
One of the main causes of roofing systems catching fire is faulty electrical work. So it would be a good idea to get a full inspection of your property's wiring system and fix whatever is not functioning properly.

Also, when roofs start to leak it can cause electrical in your attic to fail and spark. An electrical inspection can help to catch problem wiring before it's exposed to water or other elements.

Get A Certified Chimney Sweep
If you burn firewood during the winter seasons it's a good idea to get your chimney cleared of debris.

Over the years, combustible coatings form around your chimney and develop creosote. Creosote is a type of build-up that remains after you've burned wood and is vulnerable to sparks.

Contact a professional chimney service and get a consultation. As a good general rule, you should clean your chimney once per year. This will not only keep your fireplace safer but will reduce odors and smoke issues.

Fix Broken Shingles or Flashing
A great way to protect your home from harmful fire sparks is to fix holes in your roof. If you have missing shingles or there's flashing that's not sealed your roof is more responsive to sparks.

Your shingles provide protection to the flammable components of your home. And when you have gaps in your roof that leaves areas that sparks get into.

Get a roof inspection and make sure your roof is leak-proof. If your roof can keep out water it can keep out sparks.

Clean your roof and Trim Trees
Getting a regular roofing service is always recommended. When your roof is clean and up to date on maintenance, it significantly reduces the risk of fire damage.

It's also a good idea to get trees trimmed back that lay over your roof. Of course, trees and dry branches are very susceptible to sparks so we want to make sure they're not too close to the roof.

Bottom Line
Fires are scary and we want to be sure you’re protected. Not only should you make sure your roofing system is fire resistant but the entire home as well. That means, install up to date smoke alarms and fire extinguishers throughout the home.

By no stretch of the imagination are we fire experts and we recommend speaking to your local fire department to get official strategies on how to protect your home. But we are roofing experts and can help you with a FREE inspection and guide you towards a leak-proof roofing system

Feel free to call 661-679-6923 (Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM). Or go to www.superiorroofingca.com/contacts/