THE ROOF THAT HELPS DEFEND AGAINST WILDFIRES
Are Metal Roofs Fire-Resistant?
Most metal roofing carries a Class A fire-resistant rating, the highest possible. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, a metal roof is the number one home investment you can make. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that in fire-prone areas, if a roof is covered with wood or asphalt shingles, homeowners consider replacing it with a fire-resistant material, such as metal.
Home Improvement And Wildfire Protection Plans Go Hand-In-Hand
Wildfire season is something all homeowners in the western U.S. and Canada need to consider as it relates to their home improvement plans. Specifically, incorporating ignition-resistant building materials as part of home renovation plans to help protect homes from wildfires.
As the past few years have shown, more areas in the western U.S. and Canada are vulnerable to wildfires than ever before. Flying embers from a wildfire can destroy a home up to a mile away and a roof is one of the most vulnerable areas. Given that wildfire season could start and strike at any time, it’s an ideal time for homeowners to incorporate improvements that will make their home more defensible and wildfire resistant.
Why Metal Roofing Works In Wildfire Zones
Wildfires damage homes primarily through three mechanisms: wind-driven embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. Roofing materials that ignite easily or trap embers significantly increase the chance that a home will catch fire. Metal roofing performs exceptionally well in wildfire conditions because of its non-combustible composition, high ignition temperature, heat reflectivity, and smooth surface design—all of which help interrupt the pathways that fires use to ignite structures.
1. Non-Combustible Material Properties
Metal roofing panels are typically manufactured from steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc—materials that are classified as non-combustible. Combustion requires fuel, oxygen, and sufficient heat to reach a material’s ignition temperature. Unlike wood or petroleum-based asphalt shingles, metal contains no combustible fuel source, meaning it cannot sustain a flame or contribute to fire spread. Even when exposed to high temperatures, metal roofing does not ignite or burn, which is why many metal roof systems achieve the highest Class A fire rating when tested as part of a complete roofing assembly.
2. High Ignition and Melting Temperatures
Wildfires can generate extremely high temperatures, but most residential wildfire exposures occur through radiant heat and embers rather than sustained direct flames. Metal roofing materials have melting temperatures far above what is typically experienced on roof surfaces during wildfire exposure. For example:
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Steel: melts at ~2,500°F (1,370°C)
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Aluminum: melts at ~1,220°F (660°C)
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Copper: melts at ~1,980°F (1,085°C)
Most embers landing on roofs are hundreds of degrees—not thousands, meaning metal panels remain structurally stable and non-ignitable under these conditions.
3. Resistance to Ember Ignition
Research from wildfire behavior studies consistently shows that wind-driven embers are responsible for the majority of home ignitions during wildfires. These embers can travel more than a mile ahead of the fire front and accumulate on roofs, in gutters, or around roof penetrations.
Traditional roofing materials can ignite when embers become trapped and heat builds in localized areas. Metal roofing significantly reduces this risk because:
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The smooth surface prevents embers from embedding into the material.
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There are fewer exposed combustible components.
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Heat from embers dissipates quickly across the metal surface rather than concentrating in one spot.
This rapid thermal conductivity helps disperse heat energy instead of allowing it to build to ignition temperatures.
4. Radiant Heat Reflection and Thermal Performance
Wildfires produce intense radiant heat energy, which can ignite materials without direct flame contact. Metal roofing surfaces—especially those with reflective coatings—can reflect a portion of this radiant energy away from the structure.
Because metal roofs are thin and conductive, they transfer and disperse heat quickly, preventing localized hotspots that could otherwise ignite adjacent combustible materials. This ability to reflect and dissipate heat helps lower the likelihood of ignition compared with roofing materials that absorb heat and retain it.
5. Continuous Panel Design Limits Ignition Points
Many metal roofing systems, particularly standing seam systems, are installed in long, continuous panels with raised seams and tightly engineered connections. This design offers several fire-resistance advantages:
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Minimal horizontal laps where embers can accumulate
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Reduced gaps or exposed edges
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Less debris buildup, which can otherwise serve as fuel
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By limiting the areas where embers can settle and ignite debris, metal roofing reduces the chance that a small ember can start a larger fire on the roof surface.
6. Fire-Resistant Roof Assemblies
Metal roofing is often installed as part of a tested roofing assembly, which may include fire-resistant underlayment and decking materials. When combined with proper ventilation protection, flashing, and ember-resistant construction details, these systems can achieve Class A fire ratings under standardized testing such as UL 790 / ASTM E108, which evaluate resistance to flame penetration, flame spread, and burning brand exposure.
Expert Wildfire Preparedness Guidance From The Insurance Institute For Business & Home Safety
Protecting homes in wildfire-prone regions requires more than just the right roofing material—it also requires a comprehensive approach to home hardening and defensible space. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety® (IBHS) is a leading authority in disaster resilience, providing science-based research and practical guidance to help homeowners better protect their properties from wildfire threats.
Through extensive testing and field research, IBHS has developed resources that explain how embers ignite homes, how wildfire spreads through communities, and what steps homeowners can take to reduce risk. Explore the guides and resources below to learn how improvements to roofing, vents, gutters, landscaping, and surrounding structures can significantly strengthen your home’s defense against wildfires.
Homeowner Resources
During times like these, homeowners don’t have to navigate recovery and rebuilding alone. There are a wide range of trusted resources available—from wildfire preparedness guides and rebuilding recommendations to financial assistance programs and insurance support. These tools are designed to help you make informed decisions, protect your home, and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re assessing damage, planning upgrades, or looking to better prepare for the future, the right information and support are readily available to guide you every step of the way.
Other Homeowner Resources:
California Wildfire Facts
READY TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM THE NEXT WILDFIRE? FIND YOUR ROOFING PRO HERE!
Wildfires across California continue to highlight the importance of building with materials designed to perform under extreme conditions. If you’re planning to rebuild, upgrade, or better protect your home, choosing a durable, non-combustible roofing system—like metal—can make a critical difference.
Take the next step toward a stronger, more resilient home by connecting with trusted professionals. Complete our “Find A Professional” form to:
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• See examples of their work
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Download Our Quick Reference Guide!
Explore a collection of quick, one-page reference guides covering important metal roofing topics—from weather performance and durability to sustainability, solar compatibility, and more. Visit each topic page to download the corresponding quick reference guide for a clear overview of that subject.
