Considering Modern Fire Codes in Replacing Wood-Shingle and Wood-Shake Roofing

Wood-shingle and wood-shake roofing is a character-defining feature on many historic buildings; in California, many Queen Anne, craftsman, Tudor revival, and ranch houses have wood-shingle or wood-shake roofs that provide a distinctive appearance to the structure. Neither wildfires nor wood roofing are limited to California, but the combination of the two has resulted in California’s leading the way on changes to building codes to reduce the risk of structure loss due to wildfire. The history of California wildfires spanning multiple decades, particularly in the wildland-urban interface where numerous houses may be clustered in a forest setting, has resulted in stricter fire-test standards for wood shingles and wood shakes. Some cities, notably Los Angeles, have issued a complete ban on their use. Other jurisdictions, such as Boulder County in Colorado, have followed with restrictions on the use of wood as a replacement material. In response to the evolving fire-regulation standards, replacement with substitute materials has become more common and, in some cases, mandatory. This paper is intended to help professionals better understand the building codes and the options for replacement, including asphalt, synthetic wood, clay-tile, and metal products, when required or prudent. While California codes are discussed, the evaluation processes are applicable to other areas and jurisdictions at risk from wildfires.