The Best Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials (Ranked)
Quick answer
The most fire-resistant roofing materials are non-combustible ones that earn a Class A rating: metal, clay and concrete tile, and slate. Metal roofing — aluminum or steel — is among the best, being non-combustible, Class A, lightweight, and hail-resistant. Wood shakes are the worst (combustible and often restricted), while asphalt is combustible but usually reaches Class A as a fiberglass-mat shingle.
What is the most fire-resistant roofing material?
The most fire-resistant roofs are made of non-combustible materials that earn a Class A rating — chiefly metal, clay or concrete tile, and slate. Among these, metal roofing stands out, because it is non-combustible and Class A while also being lightweight and hail-resistant, where tile and slate are extremely heavy and can crack. No common roof is literally "fireproof" in every conceivable scenario, but a Class A metal, tile, or slate roof offers the highest practical fire protection a home can have, which matters enormously in wildfire country.
How roofing fire ratings work (Class A, B, C)
Roof coverings are graded for fire resistance under the UL 790 / ASTM E108 standard, on a three-class scale. Class A is the highest, meaning the roof resists severe fire exposure — it is what you want in a wildfire zone. Class B handles moderate exposure, and Class C only light exposure; an unrated roof is the most vulnerable. The rating can apply to the material itself (metal, tile, and slate are inherently non-combustible) or to an assembly (asphalt shingles reach Class A thanks to their fiberglass mat). When comparing roofs for fire, always ask for the Class rating.
Best to worst: roofing materials by fire resistance
At the top are the non-combustible materials: metal (aluminum and steel), clay and concrete tile, and natural slate — all Class A and unable to ignite or feed a fire. In the middle sits asphalt: its base is petroleum, so it is combustible, but modern fiberglass-mat shingles commonly achieve a Class A assembly rating and perform acceptably. At the bottom are wood shakes and shingles, which are genuinely flammable, spread fire, and are a serious wildfire liability — so much so that they are restricted by code in many fire-prone areas and hard to insure. If fire is a concern, avoid wood.
Why metal is a top fire-resistant roof
Metal earns its place for reasons beyond the rating. It is non-combustible — it will not ignite, burn, or spread flame — and it does not catch and hold the wind-blown embers that are the number-one cause of home ignition in wildfires, unlike wood shakes or a debris-filled roof. It achieves Class A while staying lightweight, so it adds no structural fire load and can often go over an existing roof, and aluminum brings the bonus of never rusting. Compared with tile and slate, which are also non-combustible but very heavy and brittle, metal delivers top fire protection without the weight. Interlock's aluminum roofing is non-combustible and Class A rated.
How to make your roof more fire-resistant
Start with a Class A covering — metal, tile, or slate — since the roof is the largest target for embers. Then address the details that actually ignite homes: keep gutters, valleys, and the roof surface clear of dry leaves and needles that embers can set alight, use non-combustible metal flashing and drip edge, and fit vents with ember-resistant screening so embers cannot enter the attic. Box in open eaves, and pair the fire-resistant roof with defensible space around the home. Note that spray-on shingle "rejuvenation" products are for extending asphalt life, not fireproofing — real fire resistance comes from the materials and details, not a coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most fireproof roofing material?
Non-combustible materials — metal, clay or concrete tile, and slate — are the most fire-resistant, all achieving Class A. Metal is a standout because it is non-combustible and Class A while also lightweight and hail-resistant. No roof is absolutely "fireproof," but a Class A metal, tile, or slate roof gives the highest practical protection.
Do roof shingles burn easily?
It depends on the shingle. Wood shingles and shakes are genuinely flammable and burn readily — a real hazard. Asphalt shingles are combustible at their core but modern fiberglass-mat versions usually carry a Class A assembly rating and resist fire far better. Metal, tile, and slate do not burn at all. For fire resistance, metal, tile, or slate beats any shingle.
Is a metal roof fireproof?
A metal roof is non-combustible and Class A fire-rated, the highest rating a roof can earn, so it will not ignite or spread flame and resists wildfire embers. "Fireproof" is a strong word — no roof is invincible in every scenario — but non-combustible metal is about as fire-safe as a roof gets, which is why it is favored in wildfire zones.
Sources
- UL 790 / ASTM E108 — Standard test methods for fire resistance of roof coverings
- Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety — Wildfire-resistant roofing and embers
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Last reviewed 2026-07-12 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing