ROOF COVERINGS AND BEST PRACTICES 8

Roof Coverings
and Best Practices
8.1 Introduction

D
uring storm events, a roof is expected to perform many functionsfrom preventing water intrusion
to acting as a structural diaphragm in certain situations. As stated in the 2006 IBC, roofs must
serve to protect the building. This requires roofs to resist high and low temperatures, rain, wind-
driven rain, high winds, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and (in some areas) snow, ice formation, and hail
stones. In coastal areas, high winds and the hazards that often accompany high winds (such as windborne
debris and wind-driven rain) can prove particularly problematic, as this is not specifically addressed by the
codes (despite a few exceptions). Corrosion from salt-laden air can also be a factor in the performance of
roof coverings as materials, systems, or fasteners can be weakened from extensive corrosion. Roof systems
typically fail when winds produce forces greater than the roof s strength. Winds can tear roof coverings
from roof decks and can tear roof decks from framing. Roofs can also fail if punctured by wind-borne
debris. In most cases, debris punctures are less of a problem on residential structures were the roof s slope
limits the amount of rain that can enter a puncture (unless the puncture occurs in a valley or other areas
of the roof where water is channeled or collected). However, in buildings with flat or low sloped roofs,
punctures from wind-borne debris can be devastating.

Roof systems (ranging from roof coverings to structural members) typically fail when winds produce forces
greater than the capacity provided by the elements of the roof system. Winds can tear roof coverings
from roof decks and can separate roof decks from framing. Roofs can also fail if punctured by windborne
debris. In most cases, debris punctures pose less of a problem on residential structures, where a roof s
slope may limit the amount of rain that can enter a puncture (unless that puncture occurs in a valley
or other area of the roof where water is channeled or collected). However, in buildings with flat or low
sloped roofs, punctures from windborne debris can lead to extensive interior damage.

Historically, damage to roof coverings is the leading cause of building problems during hurricanes and
other coastal storm events. High winds and windborne debris can damage the roof covering and rains
that accompany those high winds can enter the building, soaking its contents and interior (Figures 8-1 and
8-2). After water enters a building, excess moisture becomes trapped within the building and mold can
grow unchecked unless actions are taken quickly to secure and dry the building. Roof problems can occur
in any area; in coastal environments that have higher wind speeds and greater potential for torrential
rains, problems resulting from roof system damage and failures are more prevalent.

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Figure 8-1.
Instance where wind pressures
exceeded the strength of the asphalt
roofing. (Source: FEMA 549)

Roof systems can also fail if roof-mounted equipment is damaged or dislodged by high winds. During
Hurricane Katrina, loss of mechanical equipment caused the majority of water damage that was observed
in several buildings. In some of those buildings, structural roof damage itself was quite minimal yet the
buildings experienced extensive water damage.

Figure 8-2.
GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI:
Winds dislodged roof mounted
equipment and created large
openings in the roof system.
(Source: FEMA 549)

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There are many parameters to consider when good roof performance is desired. Although this process
begins with the proper selection of the roof system for that particular environment, there are other important
factors to consider, such as the roof covering, deck, ends, underlayment, flashing, and other components.
Proper roof installation is achieved through experience and sound construction techniques, thorough
inspections, and compliance with code requirements, standards, and manufacturer recommendations.
Other steps can be taken to produce roofs that can perform better than code-mandated systems. Those
steps, often called best practices, will be discussed in the following sections.

8.2 Roof Coverings General Code Requirements

Building codes provide requirements for the design and installation
NOTE
of roof coverings. Roof coverings are addressed in Chapter 15 of the
IBC and Chapter 9 of the IRC. Both codes provide requirements The FEMA MAT reports for
hurricanes Charley (FEMA
for roof coverings commonly used on high-sloped roofs (such as 488), Ivan (FEMA 489), and
asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, wood shakes and shingles, Katrina (FEMA 549), along with
FEMA 499 provide extensive
and metal roofing) and for roof coverings typically used for low-slope and updated examples of roof
applications (such as built-up roofing, thermoset single-ply roofing, covering best practices originally
thermoplastic single-ply roofing, sprayed polyurethane foam roofing, presented by FEMA in the
Coastal Construction Manual
and liquid-applied coatings). Both codes also contain requirements (FEMA 55).
for roof decks, underlayment, flashing, structural performance,
and materials and testing criteria. Requirements for roof coverings
installed in high-wind areas (i.e., where the basic wind speed is 110 mph or greater) are provided. Further,
both codes contain provisions for re-roofing existing buildings, which will be discussed later in this chapter.

Chapter 5 of SSTD 10 contains requirements for the installation of asphalt shingles and concrete roof
tiles in high-wind areas. It is important to note that the requirements apply only to shingle and tile
fastening and do not address underlayment, flashing, and other roof-covering components. Test standards
such as ASTM D7158 are available to provide performance metrics for asphalt shingles. The new ICC-
600 standard is the residential design standard for hurricane-resistant construction, replacing SSTD 10,
and to reference the ASTM D7158 standard.

While the IRC is generally considered a prescriptive code, many of the roof-covering provisions are
performance-based and mimic those contained in the IBC. The performance of more research has been
recommended in recent FEMA MAT reports in order to understand and identify acceptable systems and
appropriate (i.e., compliant) installation techniques for residential applications.

The technical nature of these roofing systems, and how they rely upon installation for code-compliance
and warranty compliance, is often much more involved than other aspects of residential construction
(such as wall and roof framing or foundation construction). The codes often rely upon the use of the
manufacturers installation instructions to ensure proper installation. For many areas of construction,
the codes state that roof covering must be installed per the manufacturers installation instructions.
Instructions should be available onsite so that the proper installation of the roof covering can be achieved
and verified. To facilitate the transfer of this information, it is common to see manufacturers installation
requirements printed on the roof packaging itself.

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8.2.1 IRC Roof Covering Requirements NOTE

General. The IRC addresses roof covering requirements in several ASTM D 3161 tests samples
areas. Fire resistance is covered in Section R902 and insulation is of asphalt roofing shingles for
exposure to high winds. This is
addressed in Section R906, but the majority of the requirements accomplished by conditioning
are presented in Section R903 and R904, which address weather the samples (in order to seal
their self-sealing strips) and then
protection and materials, respectively. Requirements for individual exposing them to an air stream.
roof covering systems (e.g., asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tile, etc.) The conditioning involves
are listed in Section R905. heating the samples between
135o F and 140o F for 16 hours.
After conditioning, the samples
Load and pressure requirements are contained in Section R301. are cooled to between 70o F and
80o F and are then exposed to
Section R301.2.1 requires that roof coverings resist the C&C loads air-stream testing for 2 hours.
listed in Table R301.2(2) as a function of basic wind speed and roof The test involves blowing a
slope. Table R301.2(2) lists pressures for Exposure B conditions with stream of air across the test
sample from three different
mean roof heights of 30 feet or less. The pressures must be adjusted directions. Shingles that restrain
for other heights and exposures by factors listed in Table R301.2(3). tabs from lifting, disengaging, or
being torn loose pass the test.
This section provides the required loads that all components of a
roof system (such as roof covering, roof deck, etc.) must be designed ASTM D 3161 lists two types of
to resist the full C&C wind loads. Some exemptions exist for air asphalt shingles (Type I and Type
II) and three wind speeds (Class
permeable cladding and other roofing components, provided they A, D, and F). Type I shingles
have been certified by testing. have self-sealing tabs; Type II
shingles have interlocking tabs.
Class A shingles pass the ASTM
Roof Decks and Underlayment. The IRC generally requires test with a simulated wind speed
roofing to be installed on continuous sheathing. Spaced sheathing of 60 mph, Class D shingles
pass the test at 90 mph, and
is allowed for some metal roofing systems (specifically those listed Class F shingles pass at 110
for use on spaced sheathing) and for some wood and tile shingles mph. While the IRC requires
that shingles needing special
(in areas where an ice barrier is not required). Building officials and fastening be considered Class F,
builders should keep in mind that Chapter 9 of the IRC pertains the ASTM standard itself does
to roof assemblies only and does not address structural system not contain special
fastening methods.
compliance for load-carrying systems such as diaphragms. While the
use of spaced sheathing may be allowed beneath some roof covering
systems, it may not satisfy structural diaphragm and bracing requirements contained elsewhere in the
code. A conscious decision must also be made whether spaced sheathing is an appropriate system to use,
based upon the roof slope.

When complying with the IRC, most roofing systems will require two layers of underlayment when the
roof slope is between 2:12 and 4:12. Roof slopes greater than 4:12 require only one layer of underlayment.
Underlayment in high-wind areas (i.e., where wind speeds are 110 mph or greater) must be secured with
corrosion-resistant fasteners spaced no more than 36 inches apart.

As a best-practices approach, an augmented underlayment can provide an effective secondary

roof barrier to reduce water penetration in the event that the primary roof is damaged by wind or
windborne debris (see Figure 8-3). FEMA 499, Technical Fact Sheet No. 19: Roof Underlayment for Asphalt
Shingle Roofs, provides guidance on improving the performance of roof systems by augmenting
underlayment installations.

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 ROOF COVERINGS AND BEST PRACTICES 8

Figure 8-3.
Example of an augmented under-
layment installation that helps
provide a secondary barrier against
water intrusion during a storm
event. (Source: FEMA 488)

Asphalt Shingles. The IRC permits the installation of asphalt shingles on continuous sheathing for
roofs with slopes as low as 2:12. When this covering is installed on roofs sloped between 2:12 and 4:12,
two layers of underlayment are required. Roofs with slopes greater than 4:12 require only one layer of
underlayment. Section R301.2.1 requires that asphalt shingles be designed in accordance with Section
R905.2.6, which permits asphalt shingles classified using ASTM D 3161 to be installed in areas with basic
wind speeds below 110 mph. Areas with wind speeds of 110 mph or higher require special fastening
methods. Special fastening is also required for roof pitches greater than 20:12. Special fastening requires
shingles that are classified using ASTM 3161 be considered Class F. Recommendations on the required
special fasteners should be attained through the shingle manufacturer.

ASTM D 7158 is a relatively new standard for certifying asphalt

NOTE
shingles with self-sealing strips for uplift resistance. The test combines
There are a few nuances of
physical testing (similar to wind-tunnel testing) and an analytical ASTM D 7158 that remain of
approach to determine wind speed resistance ratings. During interest to building officials,
certification, shingles are provided with pressure taps that allow designers, and builders. These
nuances include: building
pressure measurements to be taken at selected locations. The taps are occupancy category (from ASCE
provided to measure pressures at exposed portions of the shingle as 7-05 Table 1-1), topographic
effects, and mean roof height.
well as concealed portions of the shingle (i.e., at the underlayment). The tab uplift calculations used
Exposed and concealed taps are placed both above and below the in ASTM D 7158 are appropriate
self-sealing strip. The shingle assembly is then exposed to relatively for Category I and Category II
buildings (i.e., non-critical and
low wind speeds (approximately 35 mph) and pressure measurements non-essential facilities) that
to determine external pressures (those above the shingle) and internal are less than 60 feet tall and
located in areas not exposed
pressures (those at the underlayment). These low-speed tests provide to topographic wind effects
external and internal pressure coefficients that are combined (i.e., the ASCE 7-05 Chapter
into an uplift coefficient. The coefficients are used to determine 6 topographic effect factor Kzt
equals 1.0). If asphalt shingles
the uplift force that each shingle tab will experience for a given wind are to be used on Category
speed. The shingles are then mechanically tested to determine their III or Category IV buildings,
buildings higher than 60 feet
tabs resistance to uplift. Shingles with tabs strong enough to resist the tall, or buildings exposed to
factored uplift force for a given wind speed are certified for that wind topographic effects, the shingle
speed by class. ASTM D 7158 lists three classes of shingles: certification must use higher
uplift forces.

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n Class D shingles pass tests with basic wind speeds up to and including 90 mph.

n Class G pass tests with basic wind speeds up to and including 120 mph.

n Class H pass tests with basic wind speeds up to and including 150 mph.

This new standard has yet to be referenced by the IRC or IBC, but is recognized by ICC-600. ASTM
D 7158 cannot be used to certify Type II shingles (i.e., those with interlocking tabs). Type II shingles will
need to be tested per current ASTM D 3161 tests.

As previously stated, manufacturers installation instructions need to be followed to ensure proper

installation and, in some instances, code compliance. Post-disaster MAT investigations have noted that
two errors are often made in regard to the shingle installation technique. These two errors often result in
the failure of the roof covering during high-wind events.

The first common installation error concerns the improper installation of the starter strip
(see Figure 8-5). For proper bonding of the self-sealing strips, the starter course must be rotated 180
degrees and the tabs must be cut off. If the tabs are not removed, they will prevent the self-sealing strip
from functioning. Figure 8-4 is an example of proper shingle installation methods.

Figure 8-4.
Example of proper shingle installation. (Source: FEMA 499)

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 ROOF COVERINGS AND BEST PRACTICES 8

The second common installation error occurs when shingles are installed in vertical sections. While this
method allows roofers to traverse back and forth across the roof less, it may not allow for all of the
shingles to be properly nailed. The ends of shingles installed after the first column of shingles can
likely not be nailed without meticulously lifting the tabs of shingles that have already been fastened. This
procedure, called raking, has been identified by MAT investigations in numerous failures involving
asphalt shingle roofs during high-wind events and is attributed to the shingles having been damaged
and improperly nailed. Figure 8-6 demonstrates an example of shingle failure attributed to raking. An
example of improper shingle installation is also shown in Figure 8-7.

FEMA 499, Technical Fact Sheet No. 20: Asphalt Shingle Roofing for High-Wind Regions, provides guidance
on asphalt shingle installations. Many of the recommendations presented are similar to those described
in the installation instructions provided by many manufacturers.
Figure 8-5.
Roof failures that resulted from
improper starter-strip installation.
(Source: FEMA 549)

Figure 8-6.
Roof failures that resulted from
asphalt shingles being installed in a
raking fashion. (Source: FEMA 489)

Figure 8-7.
Loss of asphalt shingle roofing along
hip. Best Practices approaches
contained in Technical Fact Sheet
No. 20 help prevent this mode
of failure. (Source: FEMA 489)

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Clay and Concrete Tile Roofing. The IRC permits the installation of concrete or clay tile on roofs
with slopes as low as 21/2:12. Tile-roofing underlayment requirements are similar to asphalt roofing
surfaces; two layers of underlayment are required for low-slope applications and additional fastening
for the underlayment is needed for areas with basic wind speeds of 110 mph or greater. Section 905.3.7
requires clay and concrete roof tiles to be installed per manufacturer instructions when used in areas
where the basic wind speed is 100 mph or greater and in all areas where the tiles are installed more than
40 feet above grade.

FEMA (and other entities that have conducted post-disaster investigations since Hurricane Andrew struck
Florida in 1992) have noted that tile roof coverings have not performed well during several high-wind
events. Although performance of these roof covering systems has improved since Hurricane Andrew
(due largely to better design and construction guidance from the manufacturers), roof covering systems
still frequently fail during hurricanes. The performance of mortar-set tile roof systems continues to
be very dependent upon the quality of the installation. This installation method has consistently been
observed during MAT investigations to not perform as well as other tile installation methods. Tiles also
remain vulnerable to being damaged by windborne debris because they are considered brittle coverings.
When clay or concrete tiles are impacted by windborne debris, they commonly break and leave the
underlayment exposed to high-wind forces it was not designed or constructed to resist (see Figures 8-8
and 8-9). This condition has been observed to lead to a progressive failure of the roof covering across
the roof surface. Also, once damaged, it is important to note that the tile shards can become airborne,
adding debris to the wind field. This debris may cause damage to the building itself as well as damage to
downwind buildings.

Figure 8-8.
Clay tile roof failure. The
tiles were dislodged due
to inadequate anchorage.
(Source: FEMA 549)

Adequate design, testing, and installation can significantly reduce the potential for tiles to be dislodged,
but vulnerability to debris damage remains. FEMA 499, Technical Fact Sheet No. 21: Tile Roofing for High-
Wind Areas, provides guidance for installing tile roofing systems within coastal areas.

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 ROOF COVERINGS AND BEST PRACTICES 8

Figure 8-9.
Storm damage to a tile roof system.
(Source: FEMA 488)

Wood Shingles and Shakes. Sections 905.7 and 905.8 contain the requirements for wood shingle and
shake coverings. Roofing can be installed on solid or spaced sheathing, but solid sheathing is required
where ice dams or low temperatures require an ice shield. Wood shake installations differ from wood
shingle installations particularly in their underlayment and rake installations. Due to the irregular surface
of wood shakes, an interlayment layer of 30-pound roofing felt is required to improve weather tightness.
This interlayment layer is applied between each course.

The IRC does not contain prescriptive requirements for shingles and shakes used in high-wind regions.
Although they are not specifically cited, shingles and shakes must satisfy the wind-loading requirements
of Section R301.2.1. In order to verify proper installation techniques, users of these products should
consult with the shingle or shake manufacturer or the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau for installation
instructions required to satisfy the wind load requirements in areas where the basic wind speed exceeds
100 mph.

Metal Shingles and Metal Roofing Panels. Section R905.4 discusses metal roofing shingles and
Section R905.10 covers metal roofing panels. The area exposed to weather distinguishes shingles from
panels. Shingles offer less than 3 square feet of weather exposure per shingle; panels have exposures of 3
square feet or more.

Metal shingles and panels can be installed on solid sheathing, spaced sheathing, or purlinsexcept where
the roof covering is designed for spaced supports. As previously stated, when roof coverings are installed
upon decking that is not solid, the requirements of Chapter 9 of the IRC do not apply, as the IRC does
not address roof diaphragms. Requirements for structural stability need to be checked for compliance
with other portions of the code. For these systems, bracing will need to be installed to provide the code-
required structural stability (described by engineers and designers as diaphragm action). An exception
in the code is provided when the metal roof covering is designed to act as a structural diaphragm and
when it is installed on spaced supports or spaced sheathing.

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The IRC states that the minimum roof slope for metal shingles is 3:12. The minimum slope for metal
panels depends upon the methods used to join the panels. Lapped, non-soldered panels have the same
slope requirements as metal shingles and can be used on roof decks with slopes as low as 3:12. Lapped
panels joined with an applied lap sealant can be used for slopes as low as :12. Standing-seam roofing
can be used on roof surfaces with slopes as low as :12. Table R905.10.3(1) lists material requirements
for metal roof panels (these requirements also apply to metal roof shingles).

The IBC does not include prescriptive fastening designs for metal shingles and metal roof panels. While
the IRC does not specifically address the use of metal shingles and metal roof panels in high-wind areas,
the manufacturer should be consulted to determine fastening and other installation requirements for
basic wind speeds exceeding 100 mph. It is notable that MAT investigations from 1998 to 2008 continue
to observe good performance of metal-panel roof systems.

Roof Coverings for Low-Sloped (< :12) Roofs. Modified bitumen roofing, thermoset, and
thermoplastic single-ply are approved for nearly flat roofs. IRC Sections R905.11, R905.12, and R905.13
outline the requirements for these types of roof covering.

The requirements focus on material specifications and application of the roof covering. Modified
bitumen membranes are typically fully adhered and, when installed on a properly constructed roof deck,
can perform well during high-wind events. Single-ply systems, however, have been observed to perform
poorly when exposed to high winds, particularly if these systems are not fully adhered. When used in
areas where the basic wind speed exceeds 100 mph, single-ply systems should be fully adhered.

With all membrane systems, care must be taken along the edge and corner zones of the roof, where wind
turbulence creates high localized uplift pressures. Post-event MAT assessments have determined that
roofing failures commonly begin at the edges or corners of the roof, when insufficient attention is given
to fastening, flashing, and coping.

8.2.2 IBC Roof Covering Requirements

The IBC requirements for roof coverings are similar to those included in the IRC. Like the IRC,
much emphasis is given to weather protection. However, emphasis is also given to the fire ratings of
roof coverings.

Section 1504.1 states that the roof coverings must be designed to resist the wind load requirements of
Section 1504 and Chapter 16. Chapter 16 states that the wind load requirements for roof coverings
unless specified otherwise are to comply with wind pressures based upon ASCE 7.

The requirements for installation of asphalt shingles in the IBC are the same requirements as those
contained in the IRC. The IBC requirements are listed in Section 1540.1.1. Clay and concrete tiles are
treated similarly but an alternative procedure for determining and certifying wind resistance is allowed
by Section 1504.2. The alternative procedure is similar to the new procedures of ASTM D 7158, which
are described earlier in this chapter and specified for self-sealing, asphalt shingles. Like the procedures of
ASTM D 7158, the alternative procedure does not address critical or essential facilities and its applicability
is limited to buildings 60 feet tall or lower.

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The deck and underlayment requirements of the IBC are similar to those contained in the IRC. The IBC
does exempt ice membrane requirements for underlayment when used on detached accessory buildings
that are not heated.

8.2.3 IBC Requirements for Aggregate Ballast (Gravel and Stone) Roof Coverings
High winds can dislodge aggregate ballast (e.g., gravel and stone) from roofs. Once dislodged, the roof
ballast can become airborne with sufficient energy to damage downwind buildings. Buildings with
unprotected glazing are particularly vulnerable.

Since 1972, researchers have been observing damages to glazing on high-rise buildings located next to
or in close proximity to structures with stone or gravel roofs. These damages have been attributed to
the aggregate being dislodged and blown into the glazing of the adjacent building. FEMA observed
several instances of this behavior in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. (See FEMA 549 and FEMA
543 for additional information.) The 2000 IBC and ASCE 7-95 identified wind hazard areas known as
windborne debris regions. Since then, these regions have been mapped to delineate areas near the coast
where windborne debris issues can affect not only glazing, but the structural integrity of the building,
as well. Subsequent versions of the code have included specific requirements that address measures to
mitigate damages.

IBC Section 1504.8 provides requirements for aggregate ballast on roof systems. The section precludes
the use of aggregate ballast on roofs in hurricane-prone regions (i.e., areas where the basic wind speed
is 120 mph or higher). In areas with a lower basic wind speed, Table 1504.8 places restrictions upon the
exposure categories for aggregate ballast at wind speeds less than 120 mph and limits on the heights of
roofs that use aggregate ballast for buildings sited in higher exposure categories. For example, when a
building is sited in Exposure C areas where the basic wind speed is 85 mph, Table 1504.8 prohibits the
use of aggregate surface coverings when the mean roof height exceeds 60 feet.

The values listed in Table 1504.8 of the IBC denote the maximum allowable mean roof height permitted
for buildings with gravel or stone roofs in areas outside of a hurricane-prone region. Presently, this table
does not take into account the size or density of the gravel or stone. In addition, it does not account for the
effect of roof parapets, which can significantly augment the turbulence. Recent anecdotal information
suggests this table should take into account these important phenomena. However, more research tests
and quantifiable results need to be conducted before a code revision can be considered.

Section 1504.4 of the IBC requires low-slope aggregate-surface roof systems to comply with ANSI/SPRI
Wind Design Standard for Ballasted Single-Ply Membrane Roofing (RP-4). RP-4 contains provisions that allow
aggregate ballasted systems to be installed within some windborne debris regions. The requirements
depend upon a number of factors including the basic wind speed, exposure, presence and height of
parapets, and method by which the aggregate is secured.

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8.2.4 Roof Vents

Roof vents pose a design and construction challenge because they are located where the roof covering
and roof sheathing may be separated. If the vents are not properly installed, water may find its way
beneath the roof covering, causing roof covering failures or (potentially) total roof system failures. The
Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Web site contains recommendations to improve the
performance of ridge vents, off-ridge vents, and turbine vents. These and other recommendations are
available at http://www.floridadisaster.org/mitigation/rcmp/hrg:

n The DCA Web site suggests inspecting off-ridge vents to see if they are loose.

n Check for the presence of fasteners anchoring turbines to the round duct that penetrates the roof.

n Check to make sure that the duct is secure.

n  heck around all pipes that penetrate the roof and ensure that the flashing around the pipe is sealed to
C
the pipe without any gaps or cracks.

In addition, it is important to determine the spacing and size of nails or screws used to hold down ridge
vents, off-ridge attic vents, turbines, and any kitchen or bathroom vents that protrude through the roof.
This inspection is performed in order to determine if the appropriate nails were used and if they were
driven in the correct locations. Many times roofers use the same length nails to fasten these elements as
they use to fasten the shingles. In most situations, a longer nail will be required for adequate anchorage of
these items. If longer nails are used and they stick far enough through the roof deck, the anchorage can
be improved by clinching the nails (i.e., using a hammer to bend nail heads over) from inside the attic.

8.3 Re-Roofing Code Requirements & Best Practices

Section 1510 of the IBC and Section 907 of the IRC address roof covering replacement. The IBC refers
to this as re-roofing the IRC as re-covering.

The IRC and the IBC generally require re-roofing to meet the requirements of new roof installations.
One notable exception to these requirements concerns the slope of the roof. Re-roofing does not need to
meet the slope requirements for a new roof if that roof provides positive drainage.

IBC Section 1510.3 requires old roofing to be removed before installing a new roof covering, as stated below:

1.Where the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof
covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing.

2.Where the existing roof covering is wood shake, slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile.

3.Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.

There are exceptions to tear-off requirements for complete and separate roof systems that can transmit
roof loads directly to the buildings structural system. These requirements are applicable to metal

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panel, metal shingle, and concrete and clay tile roof coverings over wood shake roofs, as well as for new
roofing over an existing sprayed polyurethane foam system.

Some state-specific codes contain requirements for re-roofing. For example, the Florida Building Code
(FBC) has more stringent requirements for roof coverings within its High Velocity Hurricane Zone
(HVHZ) than are required for other portions of the state.

The HVHZ re-roofing section requires a greater level of inspection and restrictions when re-roofing. Re-
roofing without tear-off of the existing roof covering is allowed but applications are limited. For example,
FBC section 1521.17 allows asphalt shingles to be installed over an existing layer of shingles only when
not more than 1/8 inch difference in level of the existing shingle material exists.

A re-roofing project provides a perfect opportunity to improve existing buildings. When a roof covering
is removed, access is created to roof decking and other building components (particularly fasteners) that
typically remain concealed and inaccessible otherwise. During these projects, the load path from the top
of the wall to the roof deck may be upgraded, new connectors may be installed, and new flashing and
underlayment may be installed. Even though many of these best practices are not required by the codes,
a number of them should be completed during a re-roofing effort. The following list applies to many roof
systems, but is primarily geared to roof systems typically found on one- and two-family dwellings:

 henever a roof covering is to be replaced, a complete tear-off should be considered and should be
W
n

completed unless environmental or other issues make removal prohibitive.

 nce the roof covering is removed, the entire roof sheathing should be inspected and all damaged
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sections of roof sheathing should be replaced. If the sheathing thickness does not conform to current
codes and standards, the sheathing should be replaced and proper fasteners should be installed. Roof-
sheathing fasteners in the high-wind pressure zones along roof edges and corners should be given
particular attention.

 ortions of the roof sheathing may also be removed to provide access to the connections between
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the roof framing and the walls below. Connections needed to comply with current codes for new
construction should be installed.

 secondary roof barrier should be installed for enhanced water-intrusion protection. When installing
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a roof underlayment as a secondary barrier, it is important to remember that there are multiple
successful methods of installation. FEMA 499 provides guidance on selecting and installing secondary
roof barriers.

 hen re-roofing, choose a roof covering appropriate for the basic wind speed within the area. Select a
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roof covering rated for a higher wind speed, if budget allows.

Recent legislative rules issued by the State of Florida promote roofing mitigation through Rule 9B-3.0475. While
this rule applies only to residential structures and has restrictions per monetary values, it promotes efforts to
strengthen the connections of residential buildings and other mitigation efforts during re-roofing. After connections
have been strengthened to meet or exceed the latest effective code, the removed sheathing should be properly
reinstalled according to the code. It is paramount to ensure that buildings which may experience high-wind events
have the roof decking properly secured to the framing.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 8-13