What standards provide guidance for roof components and construction?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

Insurance roofing claims have increased at a significant rate this decade. Up to 90% of total residential catastrophic losses are from roof related damage. (International Institute for Business & Home Safety, IIBHS). Not all catastrophic events are hurricane or wildfire related, especially when considering roof claims as the standard. For example, a single derecho event in 2020 caused $7 to $10 billion in total losses in the Midwest.

Code based mitigation measures are available from the International Building Code (IBC) and its related International Residential Code (IRC). They provide specific roofing requirements. Roof assemblies, material selection, drainage, and flashing specifics are included. The importance of the inspection process is identified as another key element in roof loss mitigation.

IBC cross-references fire resistance, flashing integrity, drainage, access for maintenance, and protection against wind uplift as part of the overall package.

Choosing materials and designs that meet or exceed local climate demands, including snow loads, rainfall, wind speeds, and seismic considerations is emphasized. IBC

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.

Older asphalt shingle roof