Fire-Resistant Roofing in Scripps Ranch: Class A Roofs and the 2025 Fire Map
Scripps Ranch homeowners know wildfire risk firsthand; the 2003 Cedar Fire destroyed homes in the community. Your roof is the largest surface exposed to embers, so a fire-resistant roof is one of the most important upgrades you can make. Here is what that means in practice, and how San Diego’s 2025 fire map affects your next reroof.
1. How Roofs Catch Fire
Most homes lost in wildfires are ignited by embers, not the flame front. Embers blow ahead of the fire and land on and around the house.
- Embers in gutters ignite dry leaves right at the roof edge.
- Gaps under tile let embers reach the underlayment and decking.
- Attic and eave vents pull embers inside.
- Combustible roofing, like untreated wood shakes, can ignite directly.
2. What a Class A Roof Means
Class A is the highest fire rating for a roof covering. The rating applies to the full assembly, meaning the covering plus what is under it.
| Material | Fire rating notes |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Many are Class A when installed per the manufacturer |
| Concrete and clay tile | Class A, but open tile ends should be sealed with bird stops |
| Metal | Class A as an assembly with the right underlayment |
| Untreated wood shake | Not acceptable in high-hazard zones |
3. Upgrades That Go With the Roof
- Ember-resistant vents with fine mesh at attics, eaves and gables.
- Bird stops or eave closures on tile roofs to block embers at the edges.
- Non-combustible gutters with guards to keep leaves out.
- Noncombustible or ignition-resistant eaves and fascia where required.
- Cleared roof and valleys with no overhanging branches.
4. What the 2025 Fire Map Changes
The City of San Diego adopted updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps by ordinance, effective August 30, 2025. Building permit applications completed after that date follow the new map and its code requirements. The new maps include moderate and high zones as well as very high, so more properties may now face wildfire-resistant construction rules on a reroof.
Before you replace your roof:
- Look up your address on the City or State Fire Marshal hazard zone map.
- Ask your roofer which requirements apply to your parcel.
- Budget for compliance. Fire-zone requirements can add roughly 15 to 25% to a roofing project.
5. Fire Hardening and Insurance
Insurers in California are looking harder at roof age and condition, and fire hardening is becoming a bigger factor. Keep your permit, product specifications and photos after the job; they show your carrier exactly what was installed.
6. Maintain It Every Year
- Clean gutters and valleys before fire season.
- Replace cracked or slipped tiles.
- Check vents and screens for damage.
- Trim branches away from the roof.
See our roof replacement, roof ventilation and tile roofing services, or visit our Scripps Ranch roofing page.
Fire-Ready Roofing for Scripps Ranch Homes
Class A systems, ember-resistant vents and fire-zone compliance. C-39 licensed.
Call (858) 633-2763 Request an EstimateScripps Ranch Fire-Resistant Roofing: FAQ
Is my Scripps Ranch home in a fire hazard zone?
Many parts of Scripps Ranch border canyons and open space. Check your address on the City of San Diego’s 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone map.
Are tile roofs fire resistant?
Concrete and clay tile are Class A rated, but open ends at the eaves and ridges should be sealed so embers cannot get under the tile.
Do I have to upgrade my roof because of the new fire map?
The new map mainly affects new permits. When you reroof, your project must meet the requirements for your parcel’s zone.
What are ember-resistant vents?
Vents with fine metal mesh or baffles that block embers from entering the attic or eaves while still allowing airflow.
Can a fire-resistant roof help with insurance?
It can help. Insurers increasingly consider roof condition and fire hardening, so keep your permit and product documentation.
