Much of the damage sustained by your roofing system typically resulted from wind, water, hail and snow. But you shouldn’t overlook fire–this type of roof damage may be uncommon, but its possibility is never zero. Water, wind and hail damage can still be mitigated, but roof damage caused by fire? Not very likely. You’ll need to be proactive about reducing fire risk in your system. Howard Roofing & Home Improvements, the premier roofing contractor in the area, shares some tips.
1. Have your electric wiring inspected. One of the most common reasons roof and attic fires occur is because of faulty electrical wiring. The risk is generally higher during winter months, when there’s an increased need for lighting and heating equipment. Whether you have an older home or a new construction, it pays to have a professional check your electric wiring occasionally to ensure it remains intact. This way, you can help lower the possibility of a roof fire.
2. Deal with roof leaks promptly. Water infiltration in the attic doesn’t just cause mold growth or dry rot–it can also lead to electrical malfunctions. That’s because water can still seep around the hinges of the junction box that protects the wiring, resulting in shorting issues. You probably already know that live wires cause a spark when they come into contact with water. This can ignite the materials inside the attic. Fortunately, you just need to turn to a reliable roofing professional like Howard Roofing & Home Improvements. Our timely and efficient roof leak repair can help prevent all of that from occurring.
3. Keep the chimney clean. Make sure the soot and creosote sticking on the chimney walls are cleared away before using your fireplace this fall. Those materials are extremely combustible, and when the chimney catches on fire, so will your roof.
4. Invest in fire-resistance roofing material. You’ll find that this helps stop roof fires from occurring in the first place. Howard Roofing & Home Improvements offers CertainTeed® architectural and luxury shingles that come with UL Class A fire resistance, ensuring your system will remain safe and intact against possible fire damage.
As one of the area’s leading residential roofers, Howard Roofing & Home Improvements wants you to have access to the best and most advanced options available today. Our quality replacement roofing systems are not only stylish, tough, and energy-efficient–they are also designed for excellent fire resistance. We proudly serve St. Charles, MO, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (636) 296-1057 or fill out this contact form to schedule your roof evaluation.