Australia is prone to bushfires in the hot dry summer. For people who live in these areas, having the right building areas can help to protect their home from high temperatures during a fire while also keeping the house looking great year round. Metal roofing systems are ideal as they are not prone to burning during ember attack. Here are some tips when looking for a fireproof metal roof for your home.

Choose the right insulation

Fireproof roofs usually have a combination of metallic outer shell with an internal insulation layer. This helps to keep the house protected from radiative heat during fires, but can also help to keep your house cool during summer and warmer in winter. This is also a great way to reduce your energy consumption as any energy that you use heating or cooling your home is used more efficiently and the house naturally stays at a more comfortable temperature.  

Integrate a sprinkler system

Fireproof roofing also often incorporates a sprinkler system that provides surface cooling and helps the roof to maintain structural integrity for as long as possible during high temperatures. It is a good idea to look for a metal roofing system that includes a native sprinkler system or the options of installing after market sprinklers. It's also a good idea to have a remote control for the sprinkler system so that if you are away from your home (for example on vacation) you can activate the sprinkler system to help protect your home. 

Ensure that the gaps are adequate

When roofs operate in very high temperature there needs to be capacity for the metal to bend and expand while maintaining structural integrity. In order to do this, the roofs are designed with specific gaps that allow this flexibility while maintaining a reasonable level of security and air tightness during use in lower temperatures. This alignment is very important and for this reason, it can be a good idea to use professional roofers for any roof installation and repair as they have the correct tools to maintain this gap in the roofing materials.

If you are building or repairing a home in a bushfire prone area you should consider using an insulated metal roof to provide maximum heat and fire resistance to your home. It is a good idea to get a professional to design and install a roofing system that maximises the fire protection and helps you to live comfortably.