Fire Retardant For Shake Roof?

Buck25

45-50 year old shake roof in southern california. The HO doesn't want to replace, but is worried about fires; I've found this product:

http://www.armclark.com/html/Shake_flame_retardant.html

but wonder if it's worth putting on, or if anyone knows of a decent product of this sort. Or if the big fire comes, does it not really matter what you spray the roof with?

Thanks,
David

Morning Wood

If the big fire comes the thing is going to go up. I would think wetting the roof would be a better system. Of course, the fire retardant stain couldn't hurt. Especially if there is a forced evac. and no one can be there to keep an eye on things. I sprinkler system on the roof peak would be pretty effective, but how could it be done to look good?

rooferinca

When you use a fire retardant or any chemical on a wood roof, This Old House said to "Avoid sealants, waterproofers and paints, says Norm. They lock in moisture and invite rot." In the same article, Norm Abram and the US Forest Products Laboratory suggest you use a UV-inhibiting, water-repellant, wood preservative, describing the water repellant as allowing the wood to breathe (water will dry through it). We searched and found one that is also a Class A fire retardant, so you get the best of both worlds. You can go on the roof and build a campfire and cook dinner, but it won't ignite.

Good luck out there. There are great products. Google it.

J-Peffer

Have you ever burned cedar shakes?

I've burned a truck load in about 30 seconds. The stuff burns like paper, or faster.

The tops of the shakes are so thin, I don't know if any fire retardant could keep them things from spontaneously com busting!

Grumpy

50 year old shakes, and they don't want it replaced? Good luck.