The Importance of Fire Testing on Commercial Roofs

When you’re in need of a commercial roof replacement (or roof repair), you want the process to go quickly. As a busy entrepreneur and property manager, you’re juggling a lot of tasks, and dealing with the details of roof maintenance and repair may seem like a bit of a roadblock. It’s easy to put it off for later!

Of course, this would be a mistake as your property’s roof plays a key role in keeping your assets safe. Whether your building has TPO roofing or one of the many other types of commercial roofing, there are steps you shouldn’t overlook if you plan to recoat the roof anytime soon. Fire testing is one of those steps.

Fire testing may seem like a foreign concept at this point, but that’s only because you haven’t had to deal with it yet. Here, from the experts at Shamrock Roofing and Construction, are the basic things you need to know about fire testing for commercial roof coatings. 

What is Fire Testing?

Fire testing (and the ratings associated with the results of the testing) was developed by the International Building Code (IBC) to ensure the safety of your building or home. It’s often done before any roof repair in Bentonville can be completed. Fire testing involves simulated wind conditions coupled with an artificial fire source. The goal is to create the conditions of a true fire to determine if your roof structure can withstand a live event. It’s also used to identify the safest next steps for the project.

What is the Process?

Fire testing is conducted to determine the flammability of the roofing system. It’s typically conducted on multiple aspects of the roofing system, including the coating, slope, substrate, and roof deck. The testing process also involves checking the insulation. An experienced roofer will double-check the slope of the roof during fire testing because special coatings are often applied to more steeply pitched areas. 

In addition, if a roof repair and recoating project requires adding a new layer of asphalt, the contractor will need to examine the existing substrate before moving forward. Some substrates are not compatible with each other and increase the likelihood of combustion during a fire. In all, the fire testing process takes less than 15 minutes when working with an experienced team of commercial roofing contractors. 

How Will I Use the Information?

Your roofer will likely use all this information to determine the next steps for your roofing project. The results will dictate how any new coating is applied, including the thickness and roll rate of the coating. At the end of the testing process, after the final coating application, your TPO roofing structure will likely receive a “grade” — either Class A, B, or C, as approved by the IBC.

Looking for Commercial Roof Repair in Bentonville? Call Shamrock Roofing!

As a busy property owner, your schedule doesn’t allow for lengthy internet searches for “roofing contractors near me” or detailed research on fire ratings. At Shamrock Roofing and Construction, we make it easy on our customers by being a one-stop shop for all things roofing. 

Whether you have lingering questions about local fire testing regulations or you want to delegate your roof repair project to the experts, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!