Confirm the complete assembly
Ask the contractor to identify the roof covering and the supporting fire-performance documentation. Discuss the underlayment, edges, valleys and roof-to-wall intersections together. A roof-covering label does not describe every vulnerability of an existing installation, particularly where later alterations have changed details or maintenance has been deferred.
Inspect gaps and displaced components
NIST experiments demonstrated ember entry through gaps in some tile assemblies. Request an assessment of broken or displaced tiles and the condition of closures at exposed edges. Have suitable repairs selected for the actual roof system; indiscriminately filling openings can interfere with drainage or planned ventilation.
Prioritize debris collection points
UC guidance identifies roof intersections, edges, skylights and vents as places where debris can accumulate. Include valleys, gutters and areas around rooftop equipment in a professional maintenance scope. Use photographs to identify recurrent collection points and set a schedule that responds to local vegetation and fire-season conditions.
Coordinate vents and adjoining features
Roof work alone does not address ember entry through every building opening. Have a wildfire mitigation professional review vents, eaves and adjacent construction with the roof assessment. Product suitability and local requirements should be checked before changing a vent or adding a closure, especially where airflow must be maintained.
Keep the work reviewable
Request a prioritized list showing maintenance tasks, repairs and proposed upgrades, with a photograph for each location. Record the products and details actually installed. Revisit the assessment after equipment work or roof repairs that disturb vulnerable junctions. These measures reduce identified vulnerabilities; they do not make a home immune to wildfire.
Related questions
Further reading & technical sources
- Terracotta and Cement Roofs Vulnerable in Wildfires, NIST Study Finds ↗
- Roof: Wildfire Vulnerabilities and Mitigation ↗
- Wildfire Prepared Home Technical Standard: Program Requirements ↗
- Design for Wildfire Resistance ↗
Consult the current product documentation and local requirements for your project. These introductions are not installation specifications.
Tile Roofing USA editorial guide · Published October 26, 2026.