August 7, 2025
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Wildfires have long been a concern in Reno and Northern Nevada. With dry summers and strong winds, homes in the region face a higher risk of fire damage than many other parts of the country. When fire season hits, your choice of roofing material can make a critical difference.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the U.S. They’re affordable, durable, and easy to find.
But for Nevada homeowners, one question often rises to the top: Are asphalt shingles fireproof? Or are asphalt shingles fire-resistant?
It’s more than a technical detail. The answer can impact your home’s safety, your insurance costs, and your peace of mind.
As a leading Reno roofing company, we’re often asked about fire protection and roofing choices. In this post, we’ll explain how asphalt shingles are rated for fire resistance, what those ratings mean, and how to choose the right level of protection for your home.
Let’s get started.
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Knowing how fire ratings work is the first step in making safer roofing choices. Not all fire-resistant roofing materials are created equal, and ratings help you compare your options.
Roofing fire ratings are divided into three main classes: A, B, and C. These ratings are assigned based on standardized tests like ASTM E108, which simulate real-world fire conditions.
Here’s what each means:
Having a clear label on your roof materials helps Nevada homeowners select products that stand up to our extreme fire risk. Many insurance companies also ask for these ratings when setting premiums.
So, what factors go into an asphalt shingles fire rating?
Fire-resistant roof shingles don’t come by accident. Manufacturers specifically design them to reduce ignition and slow the spread of flames during a fire.
Most modern asphalt shingles are built with several layers. At the core is a fiberglass mat, which is coated with asphalt for strength and water resistance, then topped with protective granules.
It’s this combination of materials (assembled with precision) that helps asphalt resist flames more effectively than many other types of shingles.
As mentioned, all roof-type shingles must go through ASTM E108 testing before they can be labeled with a fire rating.
This standardized test evaluates roofing materials under simulated fire conditions, including:
Products that pass these tests then receive their Class A, B, or C label. Third-party certification, such as UL 790, gives further confidence in the product’s reliability.
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Here’s how the different fire ratings apply specifically to asphalt roofing shingles.
Shingles with a class A fire rating offer the best fire protection available for residential roofs. These products are tested to withstand severe fire exposure, resist flame spread, and minimize embers that could ignite other parts of the structure.
Many major manufacturers produce Class A fire roof shingles, often using a fiberglass base and high-quality mineral granules. Some brands even offer asphalt shingles with additional fire-retardant chemicals for added peace of mind.
Ideal for: Homes in wildfire-prone areas like Northern Nevada, California, and other Western states where fire safety is a top priority.
Class B shingles provide a lower level of fire resistance. They can handle moderate exposure but are not tested for the same extreme conditions as Class A shingles.
These shingles may be acceptable in regions with lower fire risk or when installed over fire-resistant underlayment that improves overall roof performance.
Keep in mind: Class B products are harder to find, as most modern asphalt shingles are manufactured to meet Class A standards.
Class C shingles offer the minimum level of fire protection allowed under building codes. They may resist light surface flame, but are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure or intense heat.
Using Class C fire-resistant materials in high-risk areas is strongly discouraged. Not only are these roof type shingles less protective, but they may not meet local code or insurance requirements in wildfire zones.
This is where definitions matter. Many homeowners wonder if asphalt shingles are “fireproof,” but the reality is more nuanced.
There are no entirely fireproof roofing materials. Even the best fire-resistant materials can fail under extreme conditions. Instead, shingles are designed to delay ignition, reduce flame spread, and limit damage long enough for firefighters to respond or flames to pass.
In other words, Asphalt shingles can help protect your home, but they’re not invincible.
Fire-resistant roofing materials are only one part of the equation. Other components play a role in your roof’s overall fire resistance, including:
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Many homeowners considering asphalt shingles also wonder about their performance in other areas. Here are a few commonly asked questions:
While this blog focuses on how well asphalt resists fire, wind is another key concern in storm-prone regions.
Modern asphalt shingles (especially laminated styles) are rated to withstand winds up to 130 mph, depending on the brand and installation method. Wind-resistant shingles are a strong competitor against metal and tile roofs when properly installed.
Yes. Many shingles are now available with algae-resistant granules that help prevent black streaks caused by algae growth. These granules maintain curb appeal and extend the life of your roof, especially in humid or shaded areas.
Asphalt shingles are designed to repel water, but their fire rating does not affect waterproofing directly. A watertight roof also depends on proper flashing, sealing, and underlayment. Always work with a trusted installer to ensure these details are handled correctly.
Certain shingles feature cool roof technology, which uses reflective granules to reduce heat absorption. While not directly tied to fire safety, cooler shingles can lower energy bills and reduce the heat load on your home—an added benefit in hot, dry climates like Nevada.
They are made with fire-resistant properties. No roofing material is completely fireproof.
Class A fire rating. It offers the highest level of fire protection available for residential roofs.
Look for fire rating labels on the product packaging or ask a Reno roof repair expert. Most fiberglass-based shingles are rated Class A.
Yes, if they are Class A rated and properly installed. Add fire-resistant underlayment and keep the roof free of debris for added protection.
Metal roofing, slate, clay, and concrete tile are also fire-resistant. Each has its pros and cons related to cost, weight, and aesthetics.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense, selecting the right roofing material has never been more important. Asphalt shingles can offer excellent fire resistance, but only when you choose a Class A-rated product and have it properly installed.
Understanding your asphalt shingles’ fire rating helps you make informed decisions—whether you’re replacing an old roof or building new. And while no roof is fireproof, the right choices can buy precious time and reduce the risk of catastrophic damage.
Ready to upgrade to fire-resistant asphalt shingles? Contact our team today for a free consultation. We’ll help you find the right solution to protect your home and your peace of mind.
