Fire safety is a critical consideration in the design and performance of vegetated roofing systems. LiveRoof® has undergone extensive fire testing and achieved multiple certifications that confirm its ability to resist ignition and limit flame spread. With succulent-based planting, careful system design, and adherence to recognized standards, LiveRoof® provides reliable fire resistance for building owners and designers.
Proven Performance in Laboratory Testing
In January 2008, LiveRoof underwent fire testing at UL Labs using a protocol commonly applied to other roof coverings. A Sedum-populated LiveRoof Standard system was installed over a plywood deck and subjected to a direct, surface-applied flame for 10 minutes.
Results:
- No ignition of the plywood deck occurred.
- Flame did not spread across the plant material.
- Plants exposed to direct flame were scorched and reduced to ash but did not propagate the fire.
- Soil and module components remained structurally intact.
Key takeaway: Succulent-based LiveRoof systems enhance fire resistance, containing flames without compromising the roofing assembly.
Plant Selection and Fire Behavior
- Succulents (e.g., Sedums): Naturally retain water, resist ignition, and suppress flame spread.
- Dry grasses/herbaceous perennials: May ignite and carry flame across the surface but are unlikely to transmit fire through the inorganic soil.
Maintaining soil coverage, healthy vegetation, pruning dormant grasses, and addressing plant dieback are important design and maintenance strategies for minimizing fire risk.
Fire Safety Standards and Compliance
LiveRoof systems align with national fire safety design standards:
ANSI/SPRI VF-1 Fire Design Standard (2010)
- Fire Design Standard for Vegetative Roofs, now referenced in the 2024 International Building Code (IBC).
- Provides fire-safe design and installation guidelines for vegetative roofing systems.
- LiveRoof® qualifies as a succulent-based system (4.1.1), and under certain conditions as a grass-based system (4.1.2).
- Provides confidence for designers, code officials, and building owners in meeting fire safety requirements.
FM Approved – Industry First
In July 2011, LiveRoof became the first green roof system to earn FM Approval (FM Standard 4477) and continues to maintain this approval.
Scope of FM Testing:
- Fire resistance and ignition control.
- Structural durability and foot traffic resistance
- Water leakage prevention.
- Manufacturing audits and quality control verification.
Approval Coverage:
- LiveRoof® Standard and Deep Systems populated with succulent groundcovers.
- Provides assurance for building owners and insurers that the system meets globally recognized loss prevention standards.
FM Approvals also audited LiveRoof’s manufacturing facilities to verify consistent quality control. Recognized worldwide, FM Approval assures building owners and insurers that LiveRoof meets the highest standards for property loss prevention.
ASTM Compliance
LiveRoof also meets ASTM fire and flammability standards, which guide building code development, insurance requirements, and fire safety regulations. These standards evaluate ignition, burning, and combustion characteristics of materials, ensuring LiveRoof systems are aligned with safety and regulatory expectations.
Real-World Fire Resistance Examples
Beyond laboratory and code compliance, LiveRoof systems have demonstrated fire resistance in real-world scenarios:
Pacific Palisades, CA (January 14, 2025): A fire-resistant home with a green roof installation showed resilience during wildfire conditions. The green roof acted as a deterrent, helping protect the structure.
California Rooftop Fire (2015): A roof with dormant grasses (not pruned) experienced a surface fire. Photos documented charring immediately after the fire, followed by substantial regrowth within six weeks—demonstrating recovery and containment.
Month Before Fire Dormant Grasses Not Pruned
Immediately After Fire
6-Weeks After Fire
Conclusion
LiveRoof® systems, when populated with succulents and designed in accordance with established fire safety standards, provide proven resistance to ignition and flame spread. The combination of UL laboratory testing, ANSI/SPRI VF-1 compliance, FM Approval® certification, and ASTM alignment confirms LiveRoof® as a fire-resistant, resilient vegetated roofing solution. With proper system design, plant selection, and ongoing maintenance, LiveRoof® enhances building safety—particularly in fire-prone environments.
To view more in-depth information regarding the LiveRoof® fire test:
Do you have additional questions about fire safety on green roofs? Your local LiveRoof representative can help.
LiveRoof® Custom Spec Generator
Every green roof is unique. Our Custom Spec Generator makes it easy to create project-specific specifications in just five minutes. Use the Spec Writer tool to download a customized LiveRoof® specification sheet along with applicable drawings.
About This Series
This article is the first installment in The Science behind LiveRoof® System series, where we explore the technical advantages of the LiveRoof® systems.
Jodi Griffin, Business Development Manager for LiveRoof® Global. Questions? Reach out anytime at jodi@liveroof.com.
