What building codes provide guidance for roof maintenance?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

Building codes such as the IBC (International Building Code) provide specific guidance for construction specifications and materials used for building and roof construction. A further important aspect is actual roof and building maintenance.

A leading code in this category is the International Property Maintenance Code – IPMC.

It is part of the family of codes under the International Codes Council – ICC and addresses maintenance issues for existing buildings. This differs from other construction codes that are concerned with buildings under construction or undergoing renovations.

The code addresses issues such as snow, water, and various debris accumulation. Conditions such as apparent roof leaks, clogged gutters, and downspouts are included. Much of the focus for these problems is prevention of damage to the building’s foundation.

Other code sources are NFPA 1 – the National Fire Protection Association Fire Code. The code requires that roofs be “maintained free of leaves, needles, twigs, and other combustible matter.” This is very important in wildfire loss mitigation.

In cold climates, codes address snow and ice hazards. The IPMC mandates that structural members, including roof framing, must not have “deterioration or distress” that reduces their load-carrying capacity. Heavy snow loads could cause collapse of an older roof that a healthy roof would in many cases handle.

One of the major goals of the IPMC standard for roofs and buildings is to maintain capability to carry the loads they were originally designed for.

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes and other code sources. It does not represent these codes’ official position on the items discussed.