Building for wildfire resilience in Colorado

By Lori Jerome, PABCO Roofing Products. 

Contractors can simplify code compliance through early coordination, careful planning and trusted Class A-rated roofing products. 

As wildfires grow more extreme and more frequent, especially in the Western United States, there has been a push to reevaluate and update wildfire-related building codes around the country. This last July, Colorado did the same and released the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC). This document is an updated wildfire resistance code specifically for roofing contractors working where developed areas meet wildland vegetation (Colorado's Wildland-Urban Interface areas). 

The code's origins trace back to California's wildfire mitigation efforts and were brought to Colorado following the devastating Marshall Fire of 2021, which destroyed thousands of structures in Boulder County and resulted in more than $1 billion in damages. The scope of this new code is described as: 

Apply[ing] to the construction, alteration, movement, repair, maintenance and use of any building, structure or premises that contain occupiable and/or habitable space or change in use resulting in an occupiable and/or habitable space, unless excepted, within the wildland-urban interface areas of Colorado, as designated in this code. Buildings or conditions in existence at the time of the adoption of this code are allowed to have their use or occupancy continued, if such condition, use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code, provided that such continued use does not constitute a distinct danger to life or property. 

In relation to this new code, there are a few things contractors must consider when bidding or beginning work:  

1. Is your project in a WUI area? If yes, what is the hazard classification (low, moderate or high)? 
2. Does the entire roof assembly meet Class A fire ratings? The key word here is assembly, as roofing work may trigger additional requirements for siding, soffits, fascia, doors and other exterior components. 
3. Review critical details such as valley flashing, ventilation, gutters and roof penetrations. This is critical as CWRC is not solely about roofing products; it is about the entire structure.  

This can feel like a lot to manage, but there are some ways that contractors can make CWRC compliance easier! First, coordinate with your local building departments and fire districts. Not only will they have helpful insights, but they will also have knowledge about any other requirements or enforcement procedures that may impact your project. 

Second, work with a trusted manufacturer whose products already meet and exceed fire ratings – a manufacturer like PABCO Roofing Products! All of PABCO’s shingles carry a Class A fire rating, providing contractors with a trusted roofing solution that aligns with one of the key requirements within the CWRC. Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and supporting documentation are available to help verify Class A performance when required during the permitting or inspection process. 

Overall, as Colorado continues to prioritize wildfire preparedness, contractors can expect increased scrutiny of roofing systems and exterior construction details designed to reduce the risk of ember intrusion and fire spread. PABCO is committed to helping contractors understand product performance and providing them with products that they can confidently specify knowing they meet the industry's highest fire-resistance classification for roofing materials.