Meeting code without compromising curb appeal

By Dani Sheehan. 

As wildfire risk continues to increase, understanding WUI code can help you deliver the fire protection homeowners need. 

With wildfire seasons growing longer and more destructive, roofing contractors need to help homeowners make smarter, safer choices about their properties. In many parts of the country, particularly the western U.S., building codes are evolving to meet the threat. The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is a regulatory framework designed to reduce fire risk in communities that border natural landscapes.  

If you’re working in these high-risk zones, it’s critical to know what WUI requirements mean for your projects. Brava Roof Tile’s synthetic roofing products are uniquely positioned to help you meet those needs without compromising style or durability. 

What is the WUI code? 

The Wildland-Urban Interface code is a specialized portion of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) that sets construction standards in areas where homes and wildlands intersect. These are the regions that are most vulnerable to wildfires, where embers from a distant fire can ignite rooftops, attics and under-eave spaces. 

Under the WUI code, roof assemblies must meet specific ignition-resistance standards depending on the fire severity zone (Class 1,2 or 3), with requirements that include: 

• Class A or C fire-rated roof coverings 
• Fire-resistant treatment around eaves, soffits and ventilation 
• Non-combustible or ember-resistant underlayments and valley materials 

How Brava tiles exceed WUI standards 

Brava Roof Tile has long been known for its innovation in synthetic roofing materials, but its latest compliance documentation highlights just how wildfire-ready these products are. According to Brava’s 2025 WUI Roofing Overview Guide, all three of its signature products – Cedar Shake, Slate,  and Spanish Barrel Tile – meet or exceed the fire-resistant roofing requirements outlined in the IWUIC. 

• Class A fire ratings: Brava’s tiles are tested to ASTM E108/UL 790 standards, earning a Class A rating when installed as part of a certified roof assembly. This places them in the highest tier of fire protection, suitable even for the most extreme fire-risk zones. 
• Safe under eaves and valleys: The guide includes best-practice recommendations for detailing around roof edges, valleys and soffits, which are all areas vulnerable to ember ignition. Brava’s lightweight, synthetic design also makes proper installation easier without requiring heavy retrofits or additional fireproofing materials. 
• Compatible with fire-resistant venting and underlayments: Brava tiles pair well with ignition-resistant vents and mineral-surfaced underlayments, giving contractors flexibility to create a complete WUI-compliant system without sacrificing performance. 

Closing the gap between beauty and safety 

While traditional roofing materials like wood shakes or natural clay may offer visual appeal, they often fall short under fire testing or come with weight and installation challenges. Brava’s synthetic tiles offer the best of both worlds: 

• Authentic looks with the safety of Class A-rated composite material 
• Lightweight design that reduces structural load 
• Durability against UV, moisture, impact and high winds 
• Ease of installation with traditional tools and fewer breakage concerns 

Homeowners shouldn’t have to choose between curb appeal and wildfire protection. With Brava’s lineup of composite roofing tiles, contractors can deliver both while helping customers meet stringent WUI code requirements in the process.