Fire ratings for roof coverings are either “Class A,” “Class B,” or “Class C,” based on passing a fire test standard. Class A is the highest rating (that is, the best performance) for classified roof coverings. Not all roof coverings have fire rating classifications. The tests within the standard address surface flame spread over the surface of the roof, fire penetrating through the covering and into the attic as result of exposure to exterior flames or burning brands or embers, …
Is irrigating the landscape always a good idea for defensible space?
It depends on the types of plants. Generally, irrigating helps plants stay green and moist and less likely to burn. In arid environments, irrigation is necessary to keep most plants alive. However, some plants become overgrown when watered and create too much fuel, becoming a maintenance headache. Some plants can be mowed or cut back at the beginning of the fire season and then irrigated very infrequently so they don’t grow during fire season. Some drought-tolerant plants stay low and …
What does a one-hour fire rating mean?
A “one-hour” fire rating is given to an assembly consisting of various building materials that can resist the exposure of a standardized fire exposure for one hour. It was developed to evaluate the performance of building elements during an intense fire exposure (for example, fire spreading from one apartment to another apartment sharing a common wall). This kind of rating can be applied to a wall, floor, or roof system. The test follows a standard procedure that specifies the rate …