Fire Performance of Metal Roofing and Siding: What You Need to Know
With the devastating 2025 LA fires once again highlighting the importance of fire-resistant building materials, many homeowners and builders are turning to metal roofing and siding as a durable and fire-resistant solution. But while metal panels themselves offer excellent fire protection, achieving a Class A Fire Rating isn’t just about installing a metal roof—it’s about the entire system.
Why Metal Roofing and Siding Are a Smart Choice for Fire Protection
Metal panels are non-combustible, meaning they won’t ignite when exposed to flying embers or flames. This makes them a superior option compared to traditional roofing materials like wood shakes or asphalt shingles. However, a metal roof alone isn’t enough to achieve a Class A Fire Rating, which is the highest fire-resistance classification available.
Understanding Class A Fire Rating: It’s About the System
A Class A Fire Rating means the ability for the material to spread fire is between 0 and 25. In other words it determines whether a roofing system can withstand severe fire exposure. Class A Fire Ratings are the best to have for a home or building.
To achieve this rating, the system must undergo rigorous testing that evaluates its ability to resist flame spread, withstand burning embers, and limit heat penetration into the structure.
Simply installing metal roofing panels doesn’t automatically mean your building is protected to Class A standards. The underlying components—including underlayments, insulation, and decking materials—play a crucial role in fire performance. The entire system must be tested together to ensure it meets Class A requirements.
Western States Metal Roofing: ICC-Tested Class A Fire Rated Systems
At Western States Metal Roofing, we’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure our metal roofing systems meet the highest fire safety standards. We’ve undergone rigorous testing with ICC (International Code Council) to obtain a Class A Fire Rating for our complete system.
This means that when installed correctly using the approved system components, our metal roofing provides maximum fire resistance—giving homeowners, architects, and builders peace of mind in fire-prone areas.
Fire Safety in 2025: A Growing Concern
The 2025 LA fires serve as a stark reminder of the growing wildfire threats in the U.S. As extreme weather conditions persist, fire-resistant construction methods are more important than ever. Choosing a Class A Fire Rated metal roofing system can help protect homes and buildings from embers and flames, reducing the risk of destruction in fire-prone regions.
Rebuilding After The Fire: A Story About Rebuilding a Home That Was Burned Down by Woolsey Wildfire
Rebuilding after a wildfire requires more than just replacing what was lost—it’s about creating a safer, more resilient home for the future. In our latest video update, Rebuilding After the Fire, we document the journey of a homeowner who chose Western States Metal Roofing to fortify their home against future fire risks. This video highlights the importance of using a Class A Fire Rated roofing system, which includes not just metal panels but a fully tested assembly designed to withstand severe fire exposure. As wildfires become more frequent and intense, selecting the right fire-resistant building materials is crucial for long-term protection. Watch the transformation and see how metal roofing and siding can play a critical role in wildfire defense and home resilience.
Update On Building A Fire Resistant House
Protect Your Property with Fire-Rated Metal Roofing
Many people assume that installing metal panels alone is enough to achieve a Class A Fire Rating, but fire resistance is determined by the entire roofing system, not just the panels themselves. To be truly fire-resistant, a roof must be tested as a complete assembly, including underlayment, screws, flashing, trim, and decking. Each of these components plays a critical role in the system’s ability to prevent fire spread and withstand extreme conditions. For reference, the complete fire-proof structure includes:
Additionally, factors such as wind load resistance and pressure ratings must also be considered, as improper installation can compromise the roof’s performance during high winds and severe weather. At Western States Metal Roofing, we ensure our metal roofing systems meet rigorous ICC testing standards, proving that when installed correctly with the right components, metal roofing offers Class A Fire Rated protection—providing safety, durability, and peace of mind in fire-prone areas.
If you’re considering metal roofing for fire protection, make sure you choose a fully tested, Class A Fire Rated system—not just metal panels. Western States Metal Roofing is committed to providing fire-resistant solutions that meet industry standards and offer the highest level of protection.
For more information on our Class A Fire Rated systems, read our ICC-EC Evaluation Report to get an in-depth panel guidelines for fire-proof conditions.