Fireproof your roof

October 3, 2008
COMMERCIAL, RETAIL, AUTO, FABRICATION : SAFETY

October is National Fire Prevention Month, when you are reminded to change the batteries in your smoke detectors at home. For your business, it can be a reminder to schedule a fire drill and review fire prevention measures with all employees.

To protect your property from fire, start with the roof of your building(s). Some roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and especially wood shakes, are less resistant to fire than others. When wildfires and brush fires spread to homes or businesses, it is often because burning branches, leaves and other debris that is buoyed by the heated air and carried by the wind fall on roofs.
 
Consider replacing your roof with fire-resistant materials such as slate, terra cotta (clay) or other types of tile, or standing-seam metal roofing.
 
For a free guide, “Replace Roofing with Fire-Resistant Materials,” publishing by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, contact the program administrator for GlassInsure, the  sponsored insurance program of the National Glass Association, McLean, Va., at 800/640-7601.