Are Metal Roofs Fire-Resistant? (Wildfire & Class A)
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Quick answer
Yes. Metal is non-combustible, and Interlock's roofing achieves a Class A fire rating — the highest roof-covering classification — when installed with the specified assembly under ICC-ES ESR-1790. In wildfire country, a non-combustible metal roof resists ignition from wind-blown embers and radiant heat, a major safety advantage over wood or asphalt.
Metal is non-combustible
The most basic fire advantage of a metal roof is that the roofing itself cannot burn. Unlike wood shake, which is literally fuel, or asphalt, which is petroleum-based, aluminum and steel do not ignite or support combustion. That matters because the roof is a home's most exposed surface during a fire — the target for embers from a neighboring house or a wildfire miles away. A roof that cannot catch fire removes the most common ignition path.
What "Class A" means
Roof coverings are graded Class A, B, or C for fire resistance, with Class A the highest. Under ICC-ES ESR-1790, Interlock's shingles and panels are classified as Class A or Class B roof coverings when installed with the specified assembly (for the top Class A rating, the assembly incorporates a fire-resistant underlayment). Your installer builds the assembly your local code and fire zone require. A Class A roof assembly is the benchmark building officials and insurers look for in fire-prone areas.
Why it matters in wildfire country
In wildland-urban-interface fires, research consistently finds that most homes ignite not from a wall of flame but from wind-blown embers that land on the roof and in gutters, smoldering into ignition. A non-combustible metal roof gives those embers nothing to ignite. Combined with ember-resistant detailing and clean gutters, a Class A metal roof is one of the most effective steps a homeowner in a fire zone can take — and it often factors into insurance availability and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are metal roofs fireproof?
Metal roofing is non-combustible — it will not ignite or feed a fire. With the specified assembly, Interlock achieves a Class A fire rating, the highest roof-covering classification, under ICC-ES ESR-1790.
What fire rating does a metal roof have?
Interlock's roofing is classified Class A or Class B under ICC-ES ESR-1790 depending on the assembly; the top Class A rating uses a fire-resistant underlayment. Class A is the highest roof-covering fire classification.
Is a metal roof good for wildfire areas?
Yes — one of the best choices. Most homes in wildfires ignite from wind-blown embers landing on the roof, and a non-combustible metal roof gives embers nothing to ignite. It often helps with insurance in fire zones, too.
Is metal roofing better than asphalt for fire?
Yes. Asphalt is petroleum-based and combustible, while metal is non-combustible. A Class A metal roof assembly offers the highest fire protection, which is especially valuable in wildfire-prone regions.
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Sources
- ICC-ES ESR-1790 — Fire classification — Class A / Class B assemblies
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Last reviewed 2026-07-11 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing, The Interlock Group · Reviewer profile