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THE FIRESAFE ROOF

Modern concrete tiles was first developed in Europe around the turn of the century (1900). Over the years they have grown in popularity there and throughout much of the world. Concrete files can be found in use from the cold climates of Norway, Finland, and Sweden all the way down to the humid environment of the Mediterranean. They are also very popular in such places as the British isles, Australia, and New Zealand.

Concrete tiles started appearing in the south-western United States sometime after World War II, and slowly gained in popularity where today they are the fastest growing segment of the roofing materials manufacturing industry. 

CONCRETE FACTS

Affordable. Modern concrete tiles are by far the most inexpensive
roofing materials based on life expectancy and total cost (See CFFD Bulletin BRG.02 for further information).

Strong. Modern concrete tiles can be walked on. Twenty-eight days after manufacturing, the tiles can withstand pressures of 300 to 400 pounds across the middle of unsupported sections.

Non-combustible. The most vulnerable part of a building to exposure fires is the roof. Concrete tiles perform extremely well. When exposed to fire, they do not burn.

Durable. Concrete tiles are no more susceptible to wind or hail than other roofing materials, and their density allow for very little moisture absorption. Concrete tiles are extensively used in Scandinavian countries, where severe freeze-thaw conditions are very prevalent.

Weight. Most homes are structurally strong enough for modern concrete tile to require no to little reinforcement (See CFFD Bulletin BRG.03 for further information).

Styles. Modern concrete tiles are available in a variety of shapes; i.e.,
high barrel and low profile "S" styles, shakes and slate styles.

Most traditional roofing materials used in North America have to be replaced every 25 years or earlier. This life expectancy is influenced by such factors as type and quality of roofing material, quality of installation, and climatic conditions. Concrete tiles usually have a 50-year limited warranty and will in most cases last much longer. The initial cost of a concrete tile roof is higher than most other roof covering, such as wood shingles and shakes; however, the life-cycle cost is by far the lowest, approximately 1/6 that of Class "A" wood shake and shingles (See CFFD Bulletin BRG.02 for further information).

The most vulnerable part of a building to an exposure fire is the roof. The major risk is the deposit of flying burning brands from wild land or structure fires. Burning brands can travel will ahead of the fire landing on and igniting combustible roofing materials, rapidly increasing fire spread and intensity. This has been the case in numerous fires such as in:

Berkeley, CA - 1923:

The Berkeley Hills Fire - Of the 584 homes destroyed, 540 had wood shingle roofs.

Boulder, CO - 1989:

The Black Tiger Fire - Lack of vegetation management, hot dry winds and combustible roofs were important factors in the total destruction of 44 homes.

Bend, OR - 1990:

The Awbrey Hall Fire - 22 homes completely destroyed, wood shake roofs were a significant factor.

Santa Barbara, CA - 1990:

The Paint Fire - The primary contributing factors to the destruction of 420 expensive homes were combustible roofs and the lack of defensible space.

Crawford County, MI - 1990:

The Stephan Bridge Road Fire - A major contributing factor to the loss of 81 homes was fire brands traveling more than ¼ mile rapidly spreading the fire.

Oakland, CA - 1991:

The East Bay Hills Fire - Over 3,000 homes were destroyed and combustible roof coverings were a major contributing factor to the fire spread.

Spokane, WA - 1991:

The Northeast Washington Fires - Drought, gale-force winds, and combustible roofs were some of the main contributing factors for the loss of 114 homes.

Malibu, CA - 1993:

The Old Topanga Fire - Over 300 homes were destroyed, a majority of the structure fires were caused by flying burning brands landing on combustible roofs.

Carlsbad, CA - 1996:

The Harmony Grove Fire - Of the 54 homes completely destroyed in the La Costa area, only four had tile roofs.

There are several building components and related elements that together can greatly enhance the survivability of a home from the ravages of wildfire: non-combustible roofing, enclosed eaves, fire resistive exterior walls, multi-paned windows, residential sprinklers, defensible space, vegetation management, and fire department access (See CFFD Bulletin BGI.01 for further information). Of these, as stated earlier, the roof maybe the greatest risk to the fire safety of a home. A non-combustible Class a roof assembly, such as concrete or clay tiles, and enclosed eaves will significantly enhance the survivability of your home from wildfire and other exterior fire exposures. Concrete roof tiles are very cost effective (cost/life expectancy), do not burn, and are available in many attractive and traditional styles.

DISCLAIMER: The Committee for Firesafe Dwellings assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the information, which is intended to provide guidelines to consumers in their selection of building materials and fire protection systems for their homes.
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