With Texas still reeling from the effects of the previous hurricane, it’s hard to imagine that anyone in the state is thinking about building codes. But, here we are!
Roofing code standards are often a point of contention in residential areas, but when it comes to disaster areas, they can be even more complicated. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide: to help you understand what your local code standards are and how they apply to your situation.
Table of contents
Key takeaways
- Roof coverings must be securely attached with galvanized or suitably corrosion-resistant nails, clips, or similar attaching devices, according to the manufacturer’s instructions and approved methods.
- Prepared shingle roof coverings require solidly sheathed wood roof decks that are well-seasoned and dry, with sheathing boards at least one inch in nominal dimension and not over six inches wide, or plywood sheathing at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
- Attic spaces must be vented to circulate air throughout, helping to prevent moisture buildup and heat buildup that can damage the roof.
- Built-up roof coverings require cant strips at the angle of the roof and vertical surfaces, carried at least six inches above the cant strip to a reglet in the parapet, and covered with metal flashing.
- Gravel stop and drip strips, eave, and gable drips must be made of high-quality materials such as 26 gauge galvanized metal, 16-ounce copper, or 0.024-inch aluminum, and should be nailed with 3/4-inch nails spaced not more than six inches apart.
Understanding the need for building code standards for roof coverings in disaster areas
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can cause significant damage to properties, especially the roofs of buildings.
Catastrophe areas are defined as locations that are prone to such disasters, and as such, building codes have been put in place to ensure that structures in these areas are built or repaired to withstand such events.
Building code standards for roof coverings are particularly important in disaster areas, as they are the first line of defense against the elements. In Texas, where such areas are prevalent, understanding the need for these standards is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of structures and their occupants.
Roof coverings must be securely attached to the roof according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with approved methods. This ensures that the roof will remain intact during high winds and will not lift or become detached from the structure.
Prepared shingle roof coverings require solidly sheathed wood roof decks, well-seasoned and dry, with sheathing boards at least one inch in nominal dimension, boards not over six inches wide, or plywood sheathing at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
This provides a strong foundation for the shingles and prevents them from becoming loose or dislodged during high winds.
Overview of Building Code Standards for Roof Coverings in Texas
The building code standards for roof coverings in Texas specify the types of materials that are allowed for use in roof coverings and the methods by which they must be installed.
The standards also provide guidance on the structural support that is required for the roof and the ventilation that is needed to prevent moisture buildup and prolong the life of the roof.
The following is an overview of some of the key building code standards for roof coverings in Texas:
- Roof covering attachment: The roof covering must be securely attached to the roof according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with approved methods. Nails, clips, and similar attaching devices must be galvanized or otherwise suitably corrosion-resistant.
- Sheathing requirements: Prepared shingle roof coverings require solidly sheathed wood roof decks, well-seasoned and dry, with sheathing boards at least one inch nominal dimension, boards not over six inches wide, or plywood sheathing at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
- Attic ventilation: Attic spaces must be vented to circulate air throughout.
- Cant strips and flashing: Built-up roof coverings require cant strips at the angle of the roof and vertical surfaces, be carried at least six inches above the cant strip to a reglet in the parapet, and be covered with metal flashing. All resinous places in the wood roof deck must be covered with sheathing paper or unsaturated felt.
- Roll roofing: Roll roofing must be applied over a smooth surface and not over shingle roofs.
- Tile roofing: Tile roofing must be laid over not less than one layer of 30-pound asphalt felt, and all nails for flashing and tiles shall be copper.
- Drip strips: Gravel stop and drip strips and eave and gable drips shall be not less than 26 gauge galvanized metal, 16 ounce copper, or 0.024 inch aluminum, with not less than a three-inch flange on the roof, and nailed with not less than 3/4 inch nails spaced not more than six inches apart.
Secure attachment of roof coverings: Nails, clips, and other attaching devices
When it comes to building code standards for roof coverings in catastrophe areas in Texas, one important aspect is the secure attachment of the roof coverings.
This involves the use of nails, clips, and other attaching devices to ensure that the roof stays in place during high winds and other severe weather conditions.
According to the building code standards in Texas, these attaching devices must be galvanized or otherwise suitably corrosion-resistant. This is to ensure that they can withstand the elements and not deteriorate over time.
Also, the manufacturer’s instructions for the roof coverings must be followed to ensure proper installation. This includes the recommended number of nails or clips and their placement on the roof.
Prepared shingle roof coverings: Requirements for wood roof decks and sheathing boards
When it comes to prepared shingle roof coverings, the wood roof deck and sheathing boards play a crucial role in ensuring the roof is secure and durable.
According to building code standards for roof coverings in Texas, prepared shingle roof coverings require solidly sheathed wood roof decks that are well-seasoned, dry, and have sheathing boards at least one inch in nominal dimension, boards not over six inches wide, or plywood sheathing at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
It’s essential to note that the wood roof deck must be in good condition and free from any defects that could compromise the roof’s structural integrity.
The wood roof deck’s fasteners must be properly secured and have the capacity to support the roof covering’s weight, wind loads, and other forces.
It’s worth mentioning that the building code standards for prepared shingle roof coverings also require covering all resinous places in the wood roof deck with sheathing paper or unsaturated felt.
This ensures that the shingles adhere correctly to the wood deck and prevents any potential damage from moisture.
Ventilation of attic spaces: Importance and guidelines
Attic ventilation is an important aspect of building code standards for roof coverings in disaster areas. Proper ventilation of attic spaces helps to circulate air throughout the attic, which in turn helps to prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of damage to the roof structure.
According to Texas building code standards, attic spaces must be vented in a way that provides a minimum of one square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic space. This vent area must be evenly distributed between the upper portion of the attic and the lower portion near the eaves.
The venting system should consist of both intake vents located near the eaves and exhaust vents located near the roof ridge. The intake vents should be designed to allow outside air to enter the attic space, while the exhaust vents should be designed to allow hot air to escape.
Also, the type of attic insulation used can also affect the need for proper ventilation. For example, if a vapor barrier is used in conjunction with fiberglass insulation, it is important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Built-up roof coverings: Cant strips, parapets, and metal flashing
Built-up roof coverings are a common choice for flat roofs, but they require careful installation to ensure they can withstand severe weather events. One crucial aspect of installation is the use of cant strips, parapets, and metal flashing.
A cant strip is a triangular-shaped piece of wood or other material that is installed at the angle between the roof and a vertical surface, such as a wall.
Cant strips are essential for built-up roof coverings because they create a smooth transition between the roof and the vertical surface. Without cant strips, the built-up roof covering can be prone to cracking and leaking at this transition point.
Parapets are walls that extend above the roofline, often used in commercial buildings or multi-story homes.
Built-up roof coverings must extend at least six inches above the cant strip to a reglet in the parapet. A reglet is a groove in the parapet that is designed to receive the edge of the roof covering.
Finally, metal flashing is used to seal joints and prevent water from seeping through gaps in the roof covering.
Metal flashing is installed at the base of the parapet, around penetrations like pipes or vents, and along the edge of the roof covering where it meets the gutter.
The metal flashing must be installed with approved methods and materials, and the seams must be securely fastened to prevent leaks.
Covering resinous places in wood roof decks: Sheathing paper and unsaturated felt
When it comes to wood roof decks, it’s not uncommon to have resinous spots or areas that contain sap or other organic materials that can be prone to leaks.
To prevent this, building code standards require that all resinous places in the wood roof deck be covered with sheathing paper or unsaturated felt. This provides an extra layer of protection to prevent moisture from seeping through and causing damage to the interior of the building.
Sheathing paper and unsaturated felt are both commonly used as a protective barrier between the wood roof deck and the roof covering.
Sheathing paper is typically made of asphalt-saturated kraft paper, while unsaturated felt is made of a combination of cellulose fibers and bitumen.
Both materials are designed to be water-resistant and provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and other elements.
It’s important to note that building codes may require different types of sheathing paper or unsaturated felt, depending on the specific circumstances and location of the building.
Also, proper installation techniques must be followed to ensure that the sheathing paper or felt is properly secured and provides adequate protection.
Roll roofing: Application and surface requirements
Roll roofing is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its affordability and ease of installation. However, proper application is critical to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the roof covering.
Roll roofing should only be applied over a smooth and even surface. It should not be installed over old shingle roofs. Before installation, any debris, nails, or staples must be removed from the roof deck. The surface should also be free of moisture and completely dry.
When installing roll roofing, it is important to ensure that there is enough overlap between each roll to prevent water from seeping through.
The minimum overlap required is four inches, but six inches is recommended for added protection. Nails should be placed in the center of each strip and at least 3/4 inch from the edge.
It is also important to avoid walking on the roll roofing during and after installation, as this can damage the material and cause leaks. In areas where foot traffic is necessary, it is recommended to use a walkway or planks to distribute the weight evenly.
Tile roofing: Requirements for asphalt felt, nails, and flashing
Tile roofing is a popular and durable option for roof coverings, but it must be installed according to building code standards. Here are the requirements for tile roofing in catastrophe areas in Texas:
- Asphalt felt: Tile roofing must be laid over not less than one layer of 30-pound asphalt felt. This provides an additional layer of protection and helps prevent water damage.
- Nails: All nails used for flashing and tiles shall be copper. Copper nails are less likely to rust or corrode, ensuring a secure attachment for the tiles.
- Flashing: Proper flashing is crucial to preventing water damage and leaks. Flashing must be installed at all vertical walls, chimneys, skylights, and roof edges. The flashing must be made of a durable material such as copper or galvanized metal.
Gravel stop and drip strips, eave, and gable drips: Guidelines for materials and nailing
Gravel stop and drip strips, eave drips, and gable drips are important elements of roof coverings that help to prevent water intrusion and protect the structure of the building. Here are some guidelines for materials and nailing when installing these elements:
- Materials: Gravel stop and drip strips, eave, and gable drips should be made of either 26-gauge galvanized metal, 16-ounce copper, or 0.024-inch aluminum.
- Flange size: The strips should have a flange size of not less than three inches on the roof.
- Nailing: The strips should be nailed with not less than 3/4-inch nails spaced not more than six inches apart.
Other interesting articles:
- Building Code Standards for Anchorage and Construction (In Texas Catastrophe Areas)
- Texas Windstorm Building Code Standards (Key Points for Structures in Catastrophe Areas)
- Building Code Standards for Structures in Texas Catastrophe Areas (Guidelines for Safety and Durability)
- Understanding Form 5695 (Getting the Most From Metal Roofing Federal Tax Credit)
Author: Logan
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