Fire-Resistant Roofing Lessons from Tacoma Restaurant Fire
We’ve hit that point in the year when there seems to be more structure fires in the news, so that’s a good reminder of how important your roofing system is when it comes to fire resistance.
A recent restaurant fire in Tacoma, Washington, was so bad that firefighters had to run for their lives to get out of the building – to avoid a collapsing roof.
During the fire, firefighters had entered the restaurant to make sure it had been evacuated safely. That’s when they noticed that the roof looked unstable. Fortunately, no one got hurt, but the roof collapsed right after they exited the building. Restaurants tend to have a lot of cooking oils and grease, meaning they had to spend hours trying to put out the stubborn flames.
This incident emphasizes why choosing fire-resistant roofing isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why PVC Roofing is a Smart Fire-Resistant Choice
Commercial roofs cover large surface areas and often house equipment like HVAC units or kitchen vents, increasing the risk of fire exposure. Without proper fire-rated roofing, embers or internal flames can rapidly compromise the roof’s structure.
PVC – polyvinyl chloride – roofs like the ones we install have a lot of benefits over other types of roofing materials. One of the biggest benefits is that PVC is a naturally fire-resistant material. It’s really tough to set a PVC roofing membrane on fire because PVC simply does not support combustion. Plus, if you take away the source of the flame, a PVC roofing membrane will self-extinguish, rather than smoldering for hours and presenting a risk of flaring up again.
It’s important to note that PVC roofing does not prevent fires – like grease, electrical or from other sources – from starting. However, PVC does inhibit the spread of flames, and can help prevent the roof from collapsing, potentially allowing firefighters to extinguish the fire before it can totally destroy a structure.
PVC Roofs are Element Resistant, Too
Fire resistance is not the only benefit of a flat commercial PVC roof. PVC membranes are highly resistant to other elements of nature that can damage commercial roofs. Wind, rain, snow and summertime heat. Plus, they’re highly reflective, which can save money on your energy costs. A PVC roofing membrane is simply a superior product for a flat commercial roof, and it’s an investment that is likely to last your commercial business for many years to come with minimal servicing.
Partner With Fire-Safety Focused Roofing Experts
At Royalty Roofing, we help businesses choose the best fire-resistant solutions tailored to their needs. Our team specializes in installing high-performance PVC roofing systems that stand up to extreme heat and protect your investment.
Need to upgrade your commercial roof for fire season? Contact us for a custom inspection and PVC roof recommendation.