Which roofing materials are Class A?
| Material | Class A? (CDI) |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Most qualify |
| Concrete, brick or masonry tile | Yes |
| Metal shingles or sheets | Yes |
| Wood shake | No |
Source: CDI Safer from Wildfires; check the product listing.
What makes a vent ember-resistant?
Replace vents with ones screened by 1/16- to 1/8-inch noncombustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh (CDI), or with listed ember-resistant vent products.
What else on the roof matters?
Open eaves can trap heat and embers, so the CDI recommends enclosing them with noncombustible or ignition-resistant soffits (CDI). Gutters full of debris are an ember bed. And if you're in a very high fire hazard severity zone (CAL FIRE map), state law requires Class A when more than half the roof is replaced (HSC 13132.7).
What's specific to Marin County?
FIRESafe MARIN focuses on home hardening and defensible space across the county (FIRESafe MARIN). Mill Valley, the Ross Valley, Fairfax and the hillside parts of San Rafael and Novato are where vents, gutters packed with needles and shake roofs deserve the closest look. Many older Marin homes have open eaves with exposed rafter tails, which can trap embers.
How do I get it done?
Bundle it: roofing, vents and eaves in one scope, with product names and ratings written into the contract. For your actual price, request a free written estimate: a licensed roofer measures the roof and prices your exact scope. See Class A roofs and new roof and insurance.
Every roofer we work with is licensed, insured and highly reviewed by Bay Area homeowners.
Get a free replacement quoteFrequently asked questions
Is a metal roof the most fire-resistant?
Metal shingles and sheets are Class A, as are tile and most asphalt shingles. The whole assembly and vents matter too.
What mesh size should vents have?
1/16 to 1/8 inch noncombustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh, per the CDI.
Sources
- CDI: Safer from Wildfires
- California Health and Safety Code 13132.7
- CAL FIRE OSFM: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
- CAL FIRE OSFM: Building in the wildland
Sources reviewed November 12, 2026. Figures are published estimates and official fees, not quotes. Confirm prices, permits and requirements with your contractor and building department. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.