In the upcoming winter months, many homeowners will be using space heaters to keep their rooms cozy and warm. Unfortunately, this comfort comes at the cost of putting your home at a greater risk of fire. According to the National Fire Data Center’s Topical Fire Report Series, January was the peak month for residential home heating fires from 2008 to 2010. The study also found that approximately 900 portable heating fires in residential spaces are reported each year, which have resulted in 70 deaths, 150 injuries and $53 million in property damages. As you can see, the risk of fire posed by space heaters is not something to be taken lightly.

If you’re using space heaters this winter, it might be a good idea to consider having metal roofing installed. One of the major benefits of a metal roof is that it impedes a fire’s ability to spread. So in the unthinkable event that a fire occurs in your house, a metal roof could help in preventing the destruction of your home.

Learning from disaster
Metal roofs have shown to be effective in preventing the spread of forest fires to homes in California. The spread of forest fires through residential neighborhoods is caused by burning pine needles and debris traveling from one roof to another. While roofs made of asphalt and other conventional materials are quick to catch fire – leading to the almost certain decimation of a home – metal roofs are more resistant to fire and enable the possibility for a home to be saved. After a devastating season of forest fires swept Southern California, Former California State Fire Marshall Jim McMullen recommended to homeowners that “residential metal roofing should be considered as a strong preventative measure.”

The Takeaway
While forest fires may not be a national issue, the risk of fire is a problem that every homeowner needs to take very seriously. The forest fires in California should serve as a lesson to encourage the installation of metal roofing throughout the U.S.

While metal roofing is a feature that any homeowner should strongly consider adding, it is not something that you should attempt to install on your own. Leave the installation process to a qualified professional who can ensure that your metal roof is set up as securely as possible.

Metal Roofing News brought to you by Global Home Improvement, the Tri-State’s Leading Home Remodeler. For your Free Estimate call 1-215-953-5151 today!