Polyglass USA has strengthened its fire protection portfolio after becoming the first manufacturer to receive CAL FIRE Building Materials Listing (BML) approval for a complete low-slope, Class A fire-rated modified bitumen roofing system.
The milestone follows the recent patenting of the company’s Burn Shield® Technology for steep-slope roofing underlayments and reinforces Polyglass’ position in the development of fire-resistant roofing solutions for both residential and commercial applications.
Burn Shield technology targets wildfire protection
Polyglass said its patented Burn Shield® Technology has been designed to slow the spread of fire and provide additional time for occupants and emergency responders during wildfire incidents, particularly in California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones.
The technology is incorporated into the company’s Polystick® XFR and Polyanchor® XFR underlayments, both of which are Class A-rated and listed on the CAL FIRE BML.
The products meet or exceed California WUI code requirements for steep-slope roofing applications.
Polystick® XFR is a self-adhered waterproofing underlayment designed for high-temperature roofing systems, while Polyanchor® XFR is a mechanically attached underlayment providing both ember and water resistance.
First complete low-slope Class A system approved
The CAL FIRE Building Materials Listing confirms compliance with California fire performance standards, including ASTM E108 and UL 790 testing requirements, and supports compliance with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code.
Polyglass’ approved low-slope roofing system includes a minimum C-15/32 deck, optional polyisocyanurate, perlite or wood fibreboard insulation, Elastobase V or Elastoflex SA base sheets, optional Elastoflex SA ply sheets, and Elastoflex SA P FR or Polyflex® SA P FR membranes.
Insurance and resilience benefits
Polyglass said installation of its Class A-rated systems may help property owners qualify for insurance savings under California’s Safer from Wildfires programme and support home-hardening requirements identified by the California FAIR Plan.
The company said the approvals provide contractors, building owners and developers with fire-tested roofing systems designed to improve resilience, support code compliance and enhance protection in wildfire-prone areas.
Jimmy Akins, VP of Technical Services, Warranty & Support at Polyglass, said: “For communities living and working in wildfire-prone areas, every second counts.
“Our innovative Burn Shield® Technology isn’t just about compliance – it’s about safeguarding our customers, their families and their most prized possessions, when it matters most.”
