Your Summer Barbecue Might Be Heating More Than Burgers: Roof Fire Safety Tips
There’s nothing like the smell of burgers and ribs on the grill in the middle of an Oklahoma summer. But while you’re focused on feeding your family and friends, you might not realize that your barbecue setup could be putting your roof at risk.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve seen the aftermath of roof and siding fires caused by backyard cooking. They start small—an ember from a charcoal grill, a flare-up from a gas grill too close to the house, or even grease vapors rising to overhanging eaves. In the heat of summer, when everything is already dry and your roof is under stress, it doesn’t take much to ignite a problem.
Here’s how to keep the good times going without turning your barbecue into a call to the fire department.
Why Your Roof Is at Risk During Summer Grilling
Grills produce extreme heat and sometimes sparks, both of which can damage your home if placed too close. Key risks include:
Radiant Heat: Prolonged grilling near exterior walls or under overhangs can warp siding and damage roof soffits.
Open Flames and Sparks: Charcoal and wood pellet grills release sparks that can land on your roof, especially in windy conditions.
Grease Fires: They burn hotter and more suddenly, shooting flames higher than normal cooking flames.
Dry Conditions: Oklahoma summers often bring drought or low humidity, increasing flammability of leaves, debris, and even older roofing material.
If your grill setup is too close to the house or under your roofline, you’re inviting risk.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
We see the same issues again and again when inspecting homes after a roof fire:
Grilling under covered patios or carports – These areas often have low clearance and trap heat.
Placing grills directly against exterior walls – Even if no flames hit, prolonged heat exposure can damage siding and soffit paint, and weaken roofing materials above.
Neglecting to clean the grill – Built-up grease causes flare-ups, which can ignite nearby surfaces.
Ignoring wind direction – Sparks can travel and land on combustible roofing debris.
Using grills on wooden decks without a protective mat – Heat and grease dripping onto decks can lead to flame spread.
Tier-One Roofing inspects siding and roofing near grill areas because hidden damage is common even without a visible fire.
How to Grill Safely and Protect Your Roof
1. Choose the Right Location
Move grills at least 10 feet from your home and any overhanging roof areas. Never grill under soffits, eaves, or low-hanging tree branches.
2. Keep It Clean
Remove grease buildup after each use to prevent flare-ups. Grease fires burn hotter and higher, and their residue can cling to siding and roofing if ignited.
3. Watch the Wind
Oklahoma winds can carry embers farther than you expect. Always position grills so flames and smoke move away from your home.
4. Use a Grill Pad
If you grill on a wooden or composite deck, a grill pad protects against heat and grease drips that could cause a fire.
5. Keep an Extinguisher Nearby
A small fire extinguisher or even a bucket of sand can stop a flare-up from spreading.
6. Remove Roof Debris
Leaves and twigs in gutters or on roofs act as fuel if embers land on them. Summer is a perfect time for a roof cleaning.
What to Do If You Have a Grill-Related Roof Fire
Call Emergency Services Immediately: Safety first.
Do Not Climb on the Roof: Let professionals handle it.
Schedule a Roof Inspection: Even small flames can cause hidden damage to shingles, underlayment, and decking.
Check Siding and Eaves: Heat damage often travels upward and outward.
Tier-One Roofing provides post-fire roof inspections, helping you understand the full scope of damage and what’s needed for repair or replacement.
How Tier-One Roofing Helps Prevent and Repair Fire Damage
We take a proactive approach:
Inspection of high-risk areas: Soffits, siding, and roof areas near grilling spots.
Repair of damaged roofing materials: Whether it’s warped shingles or scorched underlayment.
Ventilation and soffit upgrades: Materials that stand up better to heat exposure.
Fire-resistant recommendations: Including roofing materials that provide extra protection.
Our team understands Oklahoma’s extreme summer conditions and the way they amplify fire risks. We work to make sure your home stays safe, even if the unexpected happens.
Why Proactive Homeowners Have Fewer Problems
A little prevention saves a lot of money. Homeowners who:
Keep grills at a safe distance
Maintain clean roofs and gutters
Schedule regular roof inspections
…rarely have to deal with fire-related roofing issues.
Tier-One Roofing offers free summer inspections so you can grill without worry, knowing your roof is safe and secure.
Enjoy the Barbecue—Without the Risk
Summer barbecues should create memories, not insurance claims. With the right safety practices and a professional eye on your roof, you can focus on good food and good company.
Call Tier-One Roofing today for a free inspection. We’ll check your roof, soffits, and ventilation so you can grill safely all season long.
Because a great summer starts with a safe home—and we’re here to protect both.