Metal roofing is the only residential roofing material that’s completely non-combustible. It carries a Class A fire resistance rating — the highest available — and will not ignite from embers, lightning, or radiant heat. With Ontario’s wildfire seasons getting longer and ice-storm fires more common, the roof you can’t set on fire is the one you want.
The 2023 Jasper wildfire destroyed over 350 structures. The California wildfire seasons of 2023 and 2024 caused billions in damage. Closer to home, Ontario ice storms regularly down power lines, creating fire risk in residential areas.
Your roof is the largest exposed surface of your home. If it can catch fire, your home is vulnerable — regardless of how well the rest of the structure is built. Metal roofing eliminates this vulnerability entirely.
Class A is the highest classification under ASTM E108 and CAN/ULC-S107, the two standards regulators use to test roofing materials against severe fire exposure. Every Wakefield Bridge, Heritage Series, Junior H-F, and Ameri-Cana panel ships with Class A certification — no upgrades, no underlayment-dependent caveats.
Steel cannot burn. Unlike asphalt (petroleum-based) or wood (cedar shake), metal roofing will never ignite regardless of heat exposure or age.
In wildfire and urban fire scenarios, burning embers travel kilometres. Asphalt ignites on contact. Metal deflects embers without damage — the critical difference.
Many Ontario insurers offer 5–15% premium reductions for Class A fire-rated roofing. A metal roof can partially pay for itself through lower annual insurance costs.
| Material | Fire class | Combustible? | Ember risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal (steel) | Class A | No | Deflects embers |
| Asphalt shingles | Class A* | Yes — petroleum | Ignites on contact |
| Cedar shake | Class C | Yes | High — ignites readily |
| Concrete tile | Class A | No | Low — but extremely heavy |
* Asphalt achieves Class A only with fire-resistant underlayment. Rating degrades as shingles age and dry out.
Class A fire rating standard on every Ideal Roofing panel we install. Plus likely insurance savings.