Roof replacements are extremely important for
the integrity of your home. Coupled with the high cost of a roof replacement, you
want to make sure your roofing contractor is abiding by your state's roofing
codes. Continue reading to learn more about Georgia's roofing codes that your
roofing contractor should always include in a roof replacement.
Re-Roofing
Re-roofing is placing new shingles on top of
an existing roof. In Georgia, re-roofing is prohibited in certain situations,
such as when there is already more than one layer of roofing materials, the
roof is waterlogged, or the roof is extremely damaged. To prevent any issues
with previous roofing materials, at Roof It Forward we remove the existing
roofing material for roof replacements.
Mandated
Roof Structure
To replace the roof up to code, the roof
structure itself has to be up to par. The Georgia code requires a roof to have
a one-quarter inch per one-foot slope to protect the home from the weather. All
roof decks must use International Residential Code-approved covering materials.
Coverings are required to have approved fasteners to keep the covering in
place.
Proper
Ventilation
All residential roofs in Georgia are required
to have roofing ventilation. Roofing ventilation allows your attic and home to
have the ability to breathe, preventing moisture buildup that could cause
mildew, mold, and humidity. Roof vents are required to be one-sixteenth and
one-quarter of an inch thick with protection placed on top. Any roof vents
larger than that much have a wire cloth screen to prevent moisture and rust.
Flashing
Requirements
In Georgia, residential roofs are required to
have sheet metal flashing and counterflashing that is at least 15 inches wide
to prevent moisture from coming into the roof and home. Flashing and
counterflashing need to be placed around chimneys and areas where the roof
intersects with a wall.
Seal Elements
In Georgia, a product called Ice and Water Shield should be installed in all valleys. At Roof It Forward, we generally include this product around all penetrations and along sidewalls too. Additionally, Drip Edge and Gutter Apron should be installed along the rakes and eaves.
Approved
Roofing Materials
There is no specific requirement for the
quality or type of roofing materials that homeowners must use. However, the
shingles and other roofing materials must be compatible with the building and
the other materials on the building. All roofing materials need to have a
manufacturer's identification on the packaging when delivered, an accreditation
label from a testing agency, and a record on the bill of lading if the materials
were delivered in bulk.
When getting a roof replacement, you want to
make sure the roofing contractor you choose will follow the code guidelines in
your state. Our roofing contractors at Roof It Forward are highly trained in
Georgia's residential roofing requirements to provide you with great
craftsmanship and excellent results.
We have been providing high-quality roofing
solutions to the Metro Atlanta area since 2005. Roof It Forward aims to provide
top-tier service to our customers to keep you and your family safe in your
home. Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection!
