Home / Class A Fire-Rated Roofing Materials
Class A Fire-Rated Roofing Materials
Roofing material categories that achieve a Class A fire rating (ASTM E108 / UL 790), the highest fire-resistance classification.
APP Modified Bitumen
A modified-bitumen membrane in which the asphalt is modified with atactic polypropylene (APP), giving a plastic-like, heat- and UV-resistant sheet typically torch-applied. Distinct from SBS modified bitumen, which uses a rubber-like elastomeric modifier better suited to cold-flex applications.
Asphalt 3-Tab Shingle
Single-layer asphalt shingles with a flat, uniform appearance and cutouts forming three tabs per strip. The economy tier of asphalt roofing.
Asphalt Architectural Shingle
Multi-layered laminated asphalt shingles that create a dimensional, textured appearance. The most common residential steep-slope roofing in North America.
Built-Up Roof (BUR)
A traditional low-slope system of alternating layers (plies) of bitumen and reinforcing felts, typically topped with gravel or a cap sheet. The original redundant membrane roof.
Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingle
Asphalt (often SBS-modified rubberized) shingles that pass UL 2218 Class 4, the highest impact rating, resisting a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking.
Clay Roof Tile
Kiln-fired clay tiles for steep-slope roofs, prized for color retention and very long life. Common in Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architecture.
Concrete Roof Tile
Molded concrete tiles for steep-slope roofs, available in profiles that mimic clay, wood shake, or slate. Heavy, long-lived, and non-combustible.
Copper Roof
Architectural copper roofing installed as standing-seam, batten-seam, flat-lock, or shingle systems. A premium, extremely long-lived metal that develops a protective green patina over decades.
Corrugated Metal Panel
Wavy or ribbed metal panels (typically galvanized or Galvalume steel, sometimes aluminum) fastened through the face with exposed screws. An economical exposed-fastener metal roof common on agricultural, industrial, and budget residential roofs.
EPDM Membrane
A single-ply synthetic rubber membrane for low-slope roofs, valued for its long field track record and flexibility. Commonly black; ballasted, mechanically attached, or fully adhered.
Green (Vegetated) Roof
A low-slope roof assembly in which a waterproofing membrane is overlaid with drainage, growing medium, and living vegetation. Classified as extensive (shallow, low-maintenance) or intensive (deep, garden-like). The roofing family is defined by the single-ply or modified-bitumen membrane beneath the planting.
Metal Shingle
Individual interlocking metal shingles, usually aluminum or steel, stamped to resemble slate, shake, or tile. A concealed-fastener steep-slope metal system lighter than the profiles it imitates.
Modified Bitumen
Asphalt-based low-slope membrane reinforced and modified with polymers (SBS or APP), installed in rolls by torch, hot mop, cold adhesive, or self-adhered.
Natural Slate
Split natural stone tiles for steep-slope roofs. Among the longest-lived roofing materials, with a distinctive fine-grained appearance.
PVC Membrane
A single-ply thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride membrane with hot-air-welded seams for low-slope roofs. Distinguished from TPO by its plasticizer chemistry and strong resistance to chemicals, grease, and fire.
Solar Shingle
Building-integrated photovoltaic roofing in which the solar cells are part of the roof covering itself rather than racked panels mounted above it. Nailable solar shingles integrate into an asphalt shingle field to both weatherproof the roof and generate electricity.
Standing-Seam Metal Roof
Interlocking vertical metal panels with concealed fasteners and raised seams, typically steel or aluminum. A premium, long-life steep-slope and low-slope system.
Stone-Coated Steel
Steel panels with an adhered stone-granule surface, formed into tile, shake, or shingle profiles. Combines the impact and wind performance of steel with the appearance of tile or wood at a fraction of the weight.
Synthetic Shake
Molded polymer shingles engineered to replicate the look of split cedar shake at lower weight and maintenance. Frequently rated UL 2218 Class 4 and Class A fire without the rot, insect, or combustibility concerns of real wood.
Synthetic Slate
Molded polymer (often with recycled content) tiles engineered to replicate natural slate or shake at a fraction of the weight, frequently rated UL 2218 Class 4.
TPO Membrane
A single-ply thermoplastic polyolefin membrane with heat-welded seams, widely used on low-slope commercial roofs. Typically white and highly reflective (cool roof).
Zinc Roof
Architectural zinc roofing, typically titanium-zinc alloy, installed in standing-seam or flat-lock panels. A premium European metal prized for its self-healing patina and very long life.