Which roof covering is known for producing heavy black smoke when burned?

Rubber membrane roofing is known for producing heavy black smoke when burned due to the materials it is made from, primarily synthetic rubber compounds and other petroleum-based products. When these materials ignite, they combust at high temperatures, resulting in thick, dark smoke that can significantly reduce visibility and obstruct firefighting efforts. The combustion of rubber also releases a variety of toxic gases and potentially harmful particulates, making it particularly hazardous for both firefighters and nearby civilians during a fire incident.

In contrast, asphalt shingles typically create a different type of smoke that is less dense, while metal panels, being non-combustible, do not produce smoke when subjected to fire. Wood shakes can produce smoke too, but generally, the smoke is lighter and less dense than that from burning rubber membranes. Thus, rubber membrane roofing stands out for its characteristic of generating particularly heavy black smoke when exposed to fire.