Can Fireworks Damage Your Roof?
Every year, Midwesterners join countless others across the country in celebrating the Fourth of July with cookouts, swimming, and—of course—fireworks.
And while we at McCoy Roofing would never discourage anyone from celebrating with artillery shells and sparklers, we do want to make one thing clear: yes, fireworks can damage your roof. Here’s how.
The Cost of Firework Damage to Your Home
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started more than 32,000 fires in 2023, including over 3,700 structure fires. While that might seem like a small slice of the total, it’s worth noting that just 11% of all fires cause 88% of direct property damage.
“Roofs are meant to be fire resistant,” shares Paul Browne, operations manager at McCoy Roofing, “but you can get a firework up there hot enough—especially on a hot day.”
The key word there is resistant, not fireproof. Given enough heat from ash or still-burning cardboard—especially under a blazing July sun—you may have a fire on your hands.
“It’s hot, the sun’s blazing, and the fireworks fall down. That cardboard wrapper keeps burning and burning,” Paul explains. And this is assuming you have the most commonly used asphalt shingles. The risk goes up for anyone with a wooden shake roof. “Pine shake roofs can burn.”
There’s also a smaller—but real—chance of a shell or flying debris puncturing your roof. Even a tiny crack, left unaddressed, can allow water in later and cause more serious problems.
“It’s not a huge thing,” Paul admits. “But it could be comparable to hail.”
How to Prevent Firework-Related Roof Damage
There’s an old expression: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to your roof, there are a few things you can do to stop fireworks from becoming a problem.
- Set fireworks off at a safe distance from your home, vehicles, trees, or power lines.
- Use a flat, stable surface to reduce the risk of misfires or tipping.
- If you have a shake roof, hose it down before any nearby celebrations—damp wood is less likely to ignite.
- Check your roof the next day for any debris, scorch marks, or damage. Clear out gutters that may have filled with ash or wrappers using a leaf blower, broom, or by hand.
What to Do if You Suspect Firework Damage
If you’re concerned about possible damage, it’s always smart to call a reputable local roofing company for an inspection.
What should you look for? Think of it like hail damage.
“If a big enough one hits the shingle, it could tear or knock the granules off, compromising its resistance,” Paul explains. Other signs might include scorch marks, burned spots, or leftover soot and ashes.
If anything significant is found, a trusted roofer will give you a clear path forward—whether it’s a small repair or something more involved.
Better Safe Than Sorry—Let’s Check It Out
If you’re concerned your roof may have taken a hit during the holiday fun, let us take a look. McCoy Roofing offers free roof inspections, and we’re happy to help before a small spark becomes a bigger problem.
In the meantime, have a safe and happy Fourth of July—and maybe keep the grand finales aimed a little farther from the gutters.