Wildfire Risk and Exterior Building Materials

One need only watch the news to see that the threat of wildfires has been growing substantially in recent years. A study in Science magazine found that more than 55,000 homes burned from 2010 to 2022, which the magazine attributes to increases in areas that burn and more houses in wildfire-urban interface (WUI) zones.

As concerns about natural disasters continue to multiply, including wildfires, it’s more essential than ever for pros and homeowners in vulnerable areas to consider building products and practices that offer resilience and resistance to extreme climate and weather factors. Code requirements for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas are changing, and we need to adjust how we build not only to comply with those codes, but also to protect the built environment. These changes require that we consider a holistic approach for the project, including site conditions, landscaping and water resources as well as the building products and practices employed.

Exterior Products for Fire Resilience

With an extensive portfolio of exterior building material brands, Westlake Royal Building Products™ offers a host of options that bring homeowners fire resistance and peace of mind.

Siding Options for Fire Resilience

Westlake Royal’s exterior cladding solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with building systems to enhance fire resilience.

Fire-Rated Compatibility: All Westlake Royal siding products can be used with 1-hour fire-rated assemblies to minimize fire intrusion.
Flame Spread Prevention: Cladding options like Cedar RenditionsTM and Versetta Stone® are zero flame spread products, which can reduce exterior fire hazards.
Class A Rated Flame Spread: Westlake Royal offers a range of low flame-spread-rated siding options, including Celect®, Royal®, Exterior Portfolio® and TruExterior®
Wildlife Urban Interface Ratings: Product options are available with WUI-compliant wall assemblies, including TruExterior installed over wood sheathing.

Roofing Options for Fire Resilience

Westlake Royal Building Products’ Class A fire-rated roofing assembly options are engineered for superior performance and protection. They meet strict standards to safeguard communities in wildfire-prone areas with durable and versatile products.

US Tile® Concrete & Clay Roof Tile (formerly Newpoint™): Non-combustible concrete enables Class A fire rating for all US Tile concrete roof tile assemblies. US Tile Concrete roof tiles are approved for use in wildfire-prone areas, including those designated as Very High Wildfire WUI zones.
US Tile Clay Roofing Products: These clay tiles are naturally non-combustible, and all clay tile roof assemblies meet a Class A fire rating, so they’re approved for use in wildfire-prone areas, including Very High Wildfire WUI zones.
Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing: Unified Steel provides various assembly options that meet Class A fire ratings, as specified in its product listing, allowing use in Very High Wildfire WUI zones.
DaVinci Roofscapes: Composite roofing from DaVinci meets Class A fire rating specifications when installed in accordance with a variety of assembly options, making it suitable for use in wildfire-prone regions.
Westlake Royal Roofing Components: Many Westlake Royal Roofing components are designed to improve the fire resistance of roof assemblies and meet wildfire and WUI code requirements.

Unified Steel roofing on a church in California

It’s important to remember that a Class A fire rating for roofing is a systems-based test. For example, metal roofing is noncombustible, but it doesn’t stand on its own without also considering how it combines with the underlayment and roof deck below. Roof fire rating levels C, B and A are based on intensity, not time. Your local jurisdiction or regional requirements will determine what level of system rating is needed.

Specifying Newpoint™? Newpoint concrete roof tile is now US Tile® Concrete Roof Tile. Product documentation and approvals may still show the Newpoint name during the transition.

Stone Options for Fire Resilience

Westlake Royal Building Products’ Class A fire-rated stone veneer products, including Cultured Stone® and Eldorado Stone®, are certified by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. to have zero flame spread and zero smoke development.

Westlake Royal Stone Solutions offers a world-class portfolio of products designed to provide peace of mind. Our Class A fire-rated architectural stone veneer products deliver advanced protection against wind-blown embers, radiant heat and flames, compared to alternative cladding options.
Tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. for exceptional performance and safety, our products are engineered to meet strict fire-resistance standards, helping to safeguard homes and communities from the growing threat of wildfires—so you can better protect what matters most.
Unlike wood or other combustible materials, Class A fire-rated stone veneer will not ignite, making it a reliable choice for fire resilience.

Cultured Stone on a home exterior — Cultured Stone

A Systems Approach to Fire-Resilient Home Design

Along with materials, there are steps homeowners should take to protect against flame spread and blowing embers. The National Fire Protection Association offers a downloadable guide that outlines numerous strategies for one-off and ongoing wildfire safety, a few of which include:

Use non-flammable fencing material when attached to siding, and do not add vines.
Remove debris from roofs and gutters, as well as around the property, including leaves, pine needles and dead vegetation.
Help prevent embers from entering the home by ensuring soffit and gable vents, crawl spaces and foundation vents have mesh screening to help block out embers; sealing the perimeter of garage doors; caulking siding-to-trim intersections and inspecting the siding for places where embers might get stuck or accumulate.
Remove tree limbs overhanging the roof and those within 10 feet of chimneys.
Use hardscaping around the home’s perimeter, and keep those areas free of debris.
Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a 4-inch height.
Create fuel breaks with decks, paths, driveways, etc.

How to Stay Prepared for Wildfire Risks Year-Round

Sadly, the threat of wildfires is only growing. It’s essential that building pros and homeowners take steps to protect homes and communities against the risk by building or remodeling with fire resilient building products and practices combined with well-planned, thoughtful siting, and regular ongoing exterior and landscape maintenance practices.

Want to learn more about Westlake Royal’s fire-resilient building materials? Reach out to us here.