Best Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials for Wildfire Safety

When most people think of a wildfire, they picture a massive wall of flames. But the reality is that most homes are lost to something much smaller: embers. These tiny, burning particles can travel a mile or more ahead of a fire, landing on rooftops like a fiery rain. Your roof is the largest, most exposed surface of your home, making it the primary target. An ember landing on a flammable material can be all it takes to ignite a devastating fire. This is why your choice of roofing is so critical. Selecting from a list of proven fire resistant roofing materials can be the single most important decision you make to ensure your home survives.

Key Takeaways

• A Class A Fire Rating is Your Baseline for Safety: For any home in a wildfire-prone area, a Class A rating is the minimum standard for protection. This means choosing non-combustible materials like metal, tile, or slate, or selecting asphalt shingles specifically designed for the highest level of fire resistance.
• Your Roof is a System, Not Just a Surface: The material alone isn't enough. True protection comes from the entire assembly—including proper installation, ember-resistant vents, clean gutters, and a fire-rated underlayment—working together to block embers from every angle.
• Use Your New Roof as an Insurance Tool: A compliant, fire-resistant roof is critical for keeping your home insured in a challenging market. Document your upgrade with receipts and contracts, and provide this proof to your insurance agent to secure potential discounts and maintain your policy.

What Makes a Roof Fire-Resistant?

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against wildfire, especially from the threat of flying embers, which can travel a mile or more ahead of a fire front. These burning embers are the primary way homes ignite during a wildfire, and your roof is their largest landing pad. But what does “fire-resistant” actually mean when it comes to roofing? It’s not just a marketing term; it’s a formal classification based on rigorous, standardized testing that shows how well a material can withstand fire.

Understanding these ratings is the first step toward choosing a roof that can truly protect your home and, just as importantly, help you stay insurable. For many homeowners in California and other high-risk states, a non-compliant roof is one of the top reasons for a non-renewal notice from an insurer. When an insurance company evaluates your home’s wildfire risk, the type and rating of your roof are among the most critical factors they consider. Investing in a Class A roof isn't just a safety measure—it's a crucial part of managing your home's insurability in a changing climate.

How Fire Ratings Work

Roofing materials earn their safety credentials through a standardized test known as ASTM E108 (or UL 790). During this test, materials are exposed to intense heat and flames to see how they perform. Based on the results, a roof covering is assigned one of four classifications: Class A, Class B, Class C, or unrated. Class A is the highest and most fire-resistant rating available. It’s important to know that some materials achieve a Class A rating on their own, while others require specific underlayment materials to qualify. This is called a “by assembly” rating, a key detail to discuss with your contractor.

Class A, B, and C: What Do They Mean?

These letters represent a material’s ability to withstand fire exposure. Think of them as grades for fire safety.

• Class A: This is the best rating you can get. These roofs can withstand severe fire exposure and are effective against embers. They are designed not to catch fire or spread flames. For homes in high-risk wildfire zones, a Class A roof is the standard.
• Class B: These materials can handle moderate fire exposure.
• Class C: These materials offer protection against only light fire exposure.
• Unrated: These materials, like untreated wood shakes, fail the basic fire-resistance tests and should not be used in wildfire-prone areas.

The Materials That Matter Most

So, what materials actually earn that top-tier Class A rating? You have several excellent options. The most common fire-resistant roofing materials include metal, concrete tiles, clay tiles, and slate. These materials are inherently non-combustible, meaning they simply do not burn. Certain asphalt fiberglass shingles can also achieve a Class A rating, making them a popular and accessible choice for many homeowners. Choosing one of these materials is a foundational step in home hardening and is often required to maintain insurance coverage in areas like California. Your choice will depend on your budget, home style, and local building codes.

Your Best Options for a Fire-Resistant Roof

Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you can make to protect your home from wildfire. Your roof is the largest, most exposed surface, making it the most vulnerable to airborne embers, which can travel a mile or more ahead of a fire. A fire-resistant roof is your first line of defense, preventing those embers from igniting your home. This single upgrade can dramatically change your home's ability to survive a wildfire and is a critical factor for insurers when they assess your property's risk. Let’s walk through the top materials that can help keep your property safe and insurable, so you can make a confident choice for your home and family.

Metal: Durable and Non-Combustible

Metal roofing is a fantastic choice for protecting your home from fire. Because metal is naturally non-combustible, it won't ignite or burn when exposed to embers. Most metal roofing systems can achieve a Class A fire rating—the highest level of fire resistance—especially when installed with the right fire-resistant underlayment. Beyond its fire performance, metal is incredibly durable, long-lasting, and lightweight. Its smooth, hard surface makes it difficult for flammable debris like pine needles and leaves to accumulate, and it easily sheds any embers that land on it. Common options include steel and aluminum, which come in a variety of styles to match your home’s aesthetic.

Clay and Concrete: A Classic, Fireproof Choice

Clay and concrete tiles are classic roofing materials known for their beauty and resilience. Both are completely non-combustible, meaning they simply will not burn. This inherent fireproof quality makes them an excellent barrier against embers and radiant heat from a nearby wildfire. Clay tiles are strong and help regulate your home's temperature, while concrete tiles offer a unique look and exceptional durability. While these materials are top performers in a fire, they do have some practical considerations. They are very heavy and may require additional structural support for your roof framing. The installation and maintenance can also be more expensive compared to other options, but for many homeowners, the peace of mind and timeless look are well worth the investment.

Class A Asphalt Shingles: An Accessible Upgrade

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the country for a reason: they offer a great balance of performance, affordability, and ease of installation. While not all asphalt shingles are created equal, you can get excellent fire protection by choosing fiberglass-based shingles with a Class A fire rating. These shingles are specifically designed to resist ignition from external flames and embers. This makes them a practical and accessible upgrade for many homeowners looking to harden their homes without a complete structural overhaul. The key is to ensure they are installed correctly over a proper fire-resistant base layer. If you're on a tighter budget but still want to significantly improve your home's wildfire defense, Class A asphalt shingles are a solid, reliable option.

Slate: Naturally Fireproof

Slate is a premium roofing material that is as durable as it is beautiful. As a natural stone, slate is completely fireproof—it will not burn under any circumstances. It easily earns a Class A fire rating without needing special coatings or underlayments. For homeowners seeking the highest level of protection and a timeless, elegant appearance, slate is one of the best choices available. This top-tier performance comes at a cost. Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market, and its weight requires a home structure strong enough to support it. However, a slate roof can last for a century or more, making it a long-term investment in your home’s safety and value.

Modern Synthetics: High-Tech Protection

If you love the look of materials like wood shake or slate but need superior fire resistance, modern synthetic roofing is the perfect solution. Made from resilient materials like rubber and plastic polymers, these shingles are engineered to be lightweight, durable, and highly fire-resistant. Many synthetic products carry a Class A fire rating and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. These materials offer incredible design flexibility, mimicking the appearance of natural materials without the fire risk. They are often more affordable than slate or clay and can meet the strictest building codes in fire-prone areas. For a high-performance roof that combines modern technology with classic style, synthetic shingles are an excellent choice.

Key Details for Maximum Fire Protection

Choosing a Class A roofing material is a fantastic first step, but it’s only part of the equation. A fire-resistant roof is a complete system, and every component has to work together to keep your home safe. Embers are the biggest threat in a wildfire—they can travel over a mile and find their way into the smallest gaps. The details of your roof’s installation, its edges, and its vents are what ultimately determine whether those embers find a place to ignite. Getting these details right is what transforms a good material into a truly protective shield for your home.

Think of it this way: you can have the best front door lock in the world, but it won’t do you any good if you leave a window wide open. Your roof works the same way. Let’s look at the critical details that close those windows and give you the maximum protection possible.

Why Proper Installation Is Non-Negotiable

Even the highest-quality, most expensive roofing material can fail if it’s not installed correctly. A material’s Class A fire rating often depends on the entire roofing assembly, including the layers underneath it. For example, many metal roofs achieve their top fire rating only when installed over a specific fire-resistant base layer. An installer who cuts corners or doesn’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions can unknowingly create vulnerabilities that compromise your home’s safety.

This is why hiring a licensed, experienced roofing contractor who understands wildfire-resistant construction is so important. They will know the local building codes and ensure every layer of your roof, from the deck to the underlayment to the final covering, works as a single, fire-resistant system. Proper installation is a non-negotiable investment in your home’s defense.

Vents and Edges: Closing the Door on Embers

Wildfires spread most often through embers landing on or entering a home, not from direct contact with flames. Your roof’s edges, valleys, and vents are the most likely entry points. Even with a Class A roof, if flammable debris like pine needles and leaves has collected along the edges or in the valleys, embers can land there and ignite the underlying structure. According to Fire Safe Marin, these vulnerable spots can allow fire to bypass your fire-resistant roofing material entirely.

To secure these areas, you need to install modern, ember-resistant vents that allow your attic to breathe without letting embers in. You should also ensure the edges of your roof are properly sealed and flashed. This process of closing all the small gaps where embers could get in is a core principle of home hardening and is critical for maximum protection.

What's Underneath Counts, Too

When you see a fire rating, it often refers to the entire “roofing assembly.” This isn’t just the top layer of shingles or tiles you see from the street. A roofing assembly includes the roof covering (metal, tile, etc.), the underlayment (a protective barrier, often felt or synthetic), and the roof deck (the wooden sheathing that forms the base of the roof). Each component plays a role in the system’s overall fire resistance.

For a roof to perform as expected in a fire, all these parts must be compatible and installed correctly. A Class A shingle placed over a flammable, worn-out underlayment won’t provide the protection you think it will. When you get a quote for a new roof, make sure the contractor specifies the materials being used for every layer of the assembly to ensure the entire system meets modern fire safety standards.

Balancing Ventilation and Fire Safety

Your attic needs to ventilate to prevent moisture buildup and reduce summer heat, but traditional vents can be an open door for wind-blown embers. The solution isn’t to seal your attic completely; it’s to use vents specifically designed for wildfire safety. These vents use baffles or fine mesh screens to block embers while still allowing air to flow freely. Upgrading your gable, soffit, and ridge vents is one of the most effective home hardening improvements you can make.

Regular maintenance is just as important. You need to keep your roof and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris. Debris can act like kindling for embers, giving them the fuel they need to ignite your home. This is especially true for roofs with curved tiles or complex angles where debris can easily get trapped. A clean roof is a safer roof.

How a Fire-Resistant Roof Impacts Your Insurance

Upgrading to a fire-resistant roof is one of the most significant steps you can take to protect your home, but its impact goes far beyond physical safety. For homeowners in wildfire-prone areas, a Class A roof is a powerful financial tool. It sends a clear signal to insurance carriers that you are proactively managing your property’s risk. In a market where insurers are increasingly non-renewing policies and raising premiums, proving you’ve made this critical investment can directly influence your ability to get and keep affordable coverage. Your roof is often the first thing an underwriter or inspector looks at, making it a cornerstone of your home's insurability.

Earning Discounts on Your Premium

One of the most immediate financial benefits of a new fire-resistant roof is the potential for a lower insurance premium. Many insurance companies offer discounts for Class A roofs because they significantly reduce the likelihood of a total loss. By replacing flammable materials like old wood shakes with non-combustible options, you lower your home’s overall risk profile. This allows insurers to offer better rates. These discounts are part of a wider set of incentives for home hardening, where carriers reward homeowners for taking specific, verifiable steps to make their properties more resilient to wildfire. Be sure to ask your agent exactly what discounts you qualify for after your upgrade.

Staying Insurable in a High-Risk Zone

In many parts of California, the conversation has shifted from getting a discount to simply staying insured. As one expert noted, "Homeowners in fire-prone areas have fewer choices, face higher prices, and risk policy cancellations or non-renewals." In this challenging environment, a non-compliant or aging roof can be the single factor that triggers a non-renewal notice. Installing a Class A roof is no longer just a smart upgrade; for many, it’s a requirement for maintaining coverage in the private market and avoiding last-resort options like the California FAIR Plan. It demonstrates to insurers that you are a responsible partner in risk mitigation.

Meeting Local Building Codes

Your insurance eligibility is also tied directly to your home’s compliance with local regulations. Many states with high wildfire risk, especially California, now mandate that new construction and re-roofing projects use materials with a Class A fire rating. This is the highest level of fire resistance a material can achieve. Insurers expect homes to meet these building codes, and failing to do so can jeopardize your coverage or even lead to a denied claim. Ensuring your new roof meets or exceeds these standards is essential not only for safety but for satisfying the baseline requirements of any insurance carrier willing to write policies in your area.

The Paperwork Your Insurer Wants to See

Upgrading your roof is a major step, but your insurer won’t know about it unless you tell them—and provide proof. If your home has an old, unrated wood shake roof, you should plan to replace it with a Class A fire-rated roof and document the process thoroughly. Keep every piece of paperwork, including the contract, material specifications, receipts, and final inspection reports. Provide copies of these documents to your insurance agent and ask them to update your policy file. This official record is critical for securing discounts and proving your home is a lower risk, which is a key part of your overall wildfire action plan.

Finding a Pro and Keeping Your Roof in Shape

Choosing the right fire-resistant materials is a huge step, but your roof’s performance ultimately depends on two things: a quality installation and consistent maintenance. Even the best Class A roofing can fail if it’s installed incorrectly or covered in flammable debris. This is where a skilled professional and a simple upkeep routine become your most important assets. Taking the time to find the right contractor and care for your roof ensures your investment provides the protection you expect when it matters most.

How to Find a Qualified Roofing Contractor

The person you hire to install your roof is just as important as the materials you choose. When vetting contractors, look for someone who is licensed, insured, and has proven experience working with fire-resistant roofing in high-risk areas. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from past clients and look at photos of their completed projects. A qualified professional will understand the specific challenges of building in wildfire-prone zones and will be familiar with local building codes. A great place to start is by checking your state's contractor licensing board to verify their credentials and ensure they are in good standing.

What a Good Installation Looks Like

A truly fire-resistant roof is more than just the top layer of shingles or tiles; it’s a complete system. Look for contractors who understand and install a full “roofing assembly.” This means the entire system—from the underlying deck and insulation to the top covering—has been tested and certified to meet fire safety standards. A proper installation leaves no gaps or openings where flying embers could get trapped and ignite the underlying structure. The contractor should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter, ensuring every edge, valley, and ridge is perfectly sealed. This meticulous attention to detail is what separates a standard roof from one that’s truly hardened against wildfire.

Your Annual Roof Inspection Checklist

Once your roof is installed, a little proactive care goes a long way. At least once a year—and especially before fire season begins—you should inspect your roof for potential hazards. Pay close attention to areas where debris can accumulate, like the valleys between roof planes or around skylights. For homes with curved tiles, it’s critical to check for leaves and pine needles that can get wedged underneath, creating perfect kindling for embers. An annual inspection, whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, helps you catch small issues like a cracked tile or loose flashing before they become a serious vulnerability.

Simple Maintenance for Lasting Protection

Beyond an annual inspection, a few simple maintenance tasks can dramatically improve your roof’s ability to withstand a wildfire. The most important job is to keep your gutters clean. Gutters filled with dry leaves and pine needles can be easily ignited by embers, carrying fire directly to the edge of your roof and siding. You should also trim any tree branches that hang over your roofline. This kind of routine upkeep is a core part of creating defensible space around your home. It’s a simple, low-cost way to ensure your fire-resistant roof can do its job effectively.

Your Roof Is Part of a Bigger System

A Class A roof is a fantastic start, but it doesn’t work in isolation. Think of it as the strongest link in a chain—if other links are weak, the chain can still break. Wildfires don’t just spread through direct flame contact; they attack a home with a blizzard of tiny, wind-driven embers that can travel a mile or more ahead of the fire front. These embers are relentless, searching for any small, vulnerable spot to land and ignite.

Your roof system includes gutters, vents, skylights, and the edges where it meets your exterior walls. Each of these is a potential entry point for embers. An ember that lands in a gutter full of dry leaves or gets sucked into an unscreened attic vent can bypass your fire-resistant roofing entirely and set your house on fire from the inside out. That’s why insurers and fire officials look at the entire system. A comprehensive wildfire action plan accounts for these vulnerabilities, ensuring your home is protected from every angle.

Keep Your Gutters Clean and Ember-Free

Your gutters are designed to catch water, but they also catch leaves, pine needles, and twigs—perfect kindling for a stray ember. According to Fire Safe Marin, you should "regularly remove leaves, pine needles, and other dry debris from your roof and gutters." This simple maintenance task is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your home. Make it a habit to clean them out, especially before and during fire season. You can also install non-combustible gutter guards to help keep debris out, but remember that even these need to be checked and cleaned periodically to remain effective.

Secure Your Attic Vents

Vents are necessary for your home’s airflow, but they can also be open doors for embers. An ember that gets into your attic can quickly ignite insulation, stored items, and the wooden framing of your roof. The solution is to cover all vent openings—including those on the roof, under the eaves (soffits), and on gable ends—with 1/8-inch metal mesh screening. This mesh is small enough to block most embers while still allowing air to circulate. For an even higher level of protection, you can replace standard vents with modern, ember-resistant vents that are specially designed to stop embers.

Harden the Seams Where Roof Meets Walls

The area where your roofline meets your exterior walls is a critical vulnerability. This junction can easily trap wind-blown debris like leaves and pine needles, creating a perfect spot for embers to land and smolder. Even with a Class A roof, if the debris in this corner ignites, the fire can spread to your siding and eaves. The best defense is to keep this area completely clear of flammable materials. For extra protection, especially if you are building or remodeling, consider installing metal flashing that extends from the roof edge down the wall for at least six inches to create a non-combustible barrier.

Don't Forget Chimneys and Skylights

Any opening in your roof is a potential weak point. If you have a chimney, make sure it’s equipped with a spark arrestor—a metal screen that covers the top of the flue to stop embers from escaping and starting a fire, or from entering your home. For skylights, the main risk comes from debris collecting around the edges. Keep these areas clean, just like your gutters. If you have a skylight that can be opened, it’s critical to ensure it is closed and securely latched during a wildfire event to prevent embers from blowing inside.

Weighing the Cost and Long-Term Value

A new roof is a significant financial decision, but it’s more than just a home repair. It’s a critical investment in your family’s safety, your property’s resilience, and your financial stability. When you look beyond the initial price tag, you’ll find that a fire-resistant roof offers value in ways that compound over time, from lower utility bills to better insurance options. Let’s break down what you can expect.

Breaking Down the Upfront Cost

Let’s be direct: installing a new fire-resistant roof is a major expense. The final cost will depend on the material you choose, the size and complexity of your roof, and local labor rates. Materials exist on a spectrum. Class A asphalt shingles are generally the most affordable entry point for fire-resistant roofing. In the middle, you’ll find options like metal and concrete tiles. At the premium end are materials like natural slate, which carries a higher price but offers exceptional longevity. While it’s tempting to focus solely on the initial quote, it’s important to view this as a foundational part of your home’s defense system—one that protects everything underneath it.

Factoring in Long-Term Upkeep

The upfront cost doesn’t tell the whole story. A material’s durability and maintenance needs are crucial factors in its lifetime value. For example, while asphalt shingles are less expensive to install, they typically have a shorter lifespan and may require more frequent repairs. On the other hand, a material like slate is known for its incredible durability, often lasting for a century or more with minimal upkeep. Similarly, metal roofing is highly resistant to rot, insects, and fire, meaning you’ll spend less time and money on maintenance over the years. Investing more initially in a long-lasting material can save you from the cost and headache of a premature replacement down the road.

How a New Roof Can Lower Energy Bills

A new roof can do more than just protect your home from embers; it can also help reduce your energy costs. Many modern fire-resistant materials, especially metal and specially treated tiles, are designed to be "cool roofs." These surfaces are highly reflective, bouncing solar radiation away from your home instead of absorbing it as heat. During hot summer months, this means your attic stays cooler, and your air conditioning system doesn't have to work nearly as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. Over time, these energy savings can add up, helping to offset the initial investment in your new roof while making your home more efficient.

A Smart Investment in Your Home's Value

In a wildfire-prone area, a Class A fire-resistant roof is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make. It’s a clear signal to insurers and potential buyers that your home is well-protected. Many insurance companies offer meaningful discounts for homes with certified fire-resistant roofing because it significantly lowers their risk. More importantly, this upgrade can be the key to staying insurable when other homes in your area are being dropped. It’s a proactive step that not only enhances your home’s market value but also secures its place in a challenging insurance landscape. This isn’t just an expense; it’s a strategic investment in your property’s future.

How to Make the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing a new roof is a major investment, and when you live in a wildfire-prone area, the stakes are even higher. The right material not only protects your home from the elements but also serves as your first line of defense against embers. Making an informed decision is critical for your safety, your home’s insurability, and your peace of mind. It’s about balancing cost, aesthetics, and—most importantly—resilience.

Match Your Roof to Your Climate

Living with wildfire risk means your roofing choice needs to be based on performance, not just curb appeal. As wildfires become more frequent and intense, homes everywhere need better fire protection. For properties in high-risk zones, materials like metal, slate, and tile are top contenders because they are non-combustible and won't ignite when hit by flying embers. An ember landing on a flammable wood shake roof can be all it takes to ignite a home. By choosing a material that resists ignition, you significantly reduce the chance that a distant wildfire will become your personal disaster.

Check Local and HOA Requirements

Before you get too far in your research, make sure you know the rules for your specific location. Many states, including California, have strict building codes that mandate certain levels of fire resistance. You’ll often see the term “Class A fire rating,” which is the highest standard available for roofing. Your local building department can provide the exact requirements for your area. Don’t forget to check with your Homeowners’ Association (HOA), as they may have additional rules about approved materials and colors. Getting this information upfront will save you from costly mistakes down the road.

Compare Your Top Material Choices

Once you know the requirements, you can compare the best options for your home. The most common Class A materials include metal, concrete or clay tiles, slate, and specially treated asphalt shingles. Each comes with its own set of trade-offs. Metal roofing is lightweight and extremely durable, but has a distinct modern look. Clay and concrete tiles offer a classic, timeless appearance but are very heavy and may require structural reinforcement. High-quality asphalt shingles are often the most affordable Class A option, while slate is a premium, naturally fireproof material with a very long lifespan. Weigh the cost, durability, weight, and style of each to find the right fit.

Know What to Expect for Installation

A fire-resistant roof is more than just the shingles you see on top; it’s a complete system. The official fire rating applies to the entire roofing assembly—including the underlayment, decking, and other components that work together to stop fire. This is why professional installation is non-negotiable. An improperly installed roof can leave gaps where embers can sneak in and ignite the structure from within. If your home has an old, unrated wood shake roof, replacing it with a complete Class A system is one of the most effective home hardening upgrades you can make to protect your family and property.

Related Articles

• Class A Roof Assembly: A Homeowner's Guide
• Class A Roofing 101: Everything You Need to Know
• What Is a Class A Roof Assembly? A Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

My roof isn't made of wood shake, but it's getting old. Do I really need to replace it? Even if your roof isn't made of a flammable material like wood, its age and condition are major factors for both safety and insurability. Over time, shingles can crack, tiles can slip, and the underlayment can degrade, creating small openings where embers can get in. An older roof might not meet current building codes, which is a red flag for insurers. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it with a modern Class A system is a proactive step that addresses wear-and-tear while significantly improving your home's wildfire defense.

Is a Class A roof a guarantee that my home will survive a wildfire? A Class A roof dramatically improves your home's chances of survival, but it isn't a guarantee on its own. Think of it as the most important piece of a larger defense system. Wildfires attack a home from all angles with wind-driven embers. These embers can get into unscreened vents, ignite debris in your gutters, or catch on flammable siding. A fire-resistant roof is your strongest defense against embers landing on top of your house, but you still need to address the other vulnerabilities by hardening the rest of your home.

How do I prove to my insurance company that I've upgraded my roof? Documentation is everything. When you replace your roof, keep a detailed file with the contractor's invoice, the material specifications that clearly state its Class A fire rating, and the final permit sign-off from your local building department. Provide copies of these documents to your insurance agent and ask for written confirmation that they have been added to your policy file. This creates an official record that proves you've reduced your home's risk, which is essential for securing discounts and maintaining your coverage.

Can I just apply a fire-retardant coating to my existing roof instead of replacing it? While fire-retardant sprays and coatings exist, they are not a substitute for a properly installed Class A roofing system. These treatments can wear off over time due to weather exposure and require regular reapplication to be effective. Most importantly, they don't address the underlying issues of an old or improperly installed roof, nor do they satisfy the strict building codes and insurance requirements for high-risk areas. Insurers want to see a certified, permanent solution, which means a full roof replacement with Class A-rated materials.

What's more important for my insurance: the roof material or keeping my gutters clean? Insurers look at both, because they work together. A Class A roof is the foundation of a fire-resistant home, but an inspector will also look at the surrounding conditions. Gutters packed with dry leaves are seen as a direct threat because they can act like a fuse, carrying fire to the edge of your roof structure and bypassing your fire-resistant materials. Having a Class A roof is a requirement, but maintaining it and the areas around it shows you are actively managing your risk, which is exactly what insurers want to see.