Cedar shake roofing can be made fire resistant, but its level of safety depends significantly on professional treatment. In their natural, untreated state, cedar shakes are classified as Class D, which offers the lowest level of fire resistance. However, to meet British Columbia Building Code standards and ensure safety in urban or fire-prone settings, cedar shakes can be treated with fire-retardants.
There are two primary ways to improve fire resistance:
- Fire-Retardant Impregnation: This treatment allows shingles to achieve Class B or C ratings. These treatments are tested to reduce fire spread rates by up to 50%.
- Pressure-Treatment: This method typically achieves a Class C rating and, while more expensive upfront, can provide long-term safety and potential savings on insurance premiums.
In Vancouver, regulations often require 100% edge grain for premium grades to enhance durability against ignition. While treated cedar shakes add approximately 10-15% to installation expenses, they are highly recommended for multi-family and commercial buildings to align with safety codes and minimize liability.
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