How to Decrease your Risk of Fire Damage

Roof fires can be a serious threat to the health and safety of your family and to the structure of your home. They often start without warning, as most attics are unfinished and not equipped with a smoke detector. The roofers at Dykstra Knight want to make sure that homeowners know how to properly protect themselves and their home. Here are the three most important tips for preventing roof fires and for limiting the potential damage caused by a roof fires if it does occur:

Keep your chimney clean

If your home has a fireplace, then perhaps the most important step you can take towards preventing roof fires is to clean your chimney on a regular basis. Over time, a combustible layer of material known as creosote forms on the inside of chimneys, which can easily catch fire if ignited by a spark.

How often your chimney needs to be cleaned will depend on how often you use it. A good rule of thumb is to have it cleaned at least once a year before the start of winter, when you will likely use your fireplace more often.

Have your electrical wiring inspected

An issue with a home’s electrical wiring is the leading cause of attic and roof fires. If you have an older home, or if you have reason to suspect that your home may have faulty wiring, then it is highly recommended that you have your electrical wiring inspected by a professional.

Look out for flickering bulbs and light fixtures that unexpectedly fail to turn on, as these problems may be caused by burned wires in the attic. Roof leaks can also lead to electrical malfunctions in the attic, so make sure you have any signs of water damage inspected by a Thunder Bay roofing contractor like Dykstra Knight.

Choose a fire-resistant roofing material

How easily your roof can catch on fire and how much damage a fire can potentially cause will depend in large part on your roofing material. Roofing materials come in different classes, with Class A being the most fire-resistant.

If your roof is getting on in years and it’s almost time for a replacement, then make sure that your new roof is made of Class A materials. If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, then you should also consider a fire-resistant underlay. Your roofing contractor will be able to let you know what your options are and what material will be best for your roof.

As one of the most trusted roofing companies in Thunder Bay, Dykstra Knight always has your safety as our top priority. Our experienced roofers can install a new roof using fire-resistant roofing materials that will help reduce the risk and the damage caused by a roof fire.

Learn more about preventing roof fires and about fire-resistant roofing materials by contacting Dykstra Knight Roofing & Renovations

Contact Us