One of the most important components of any building structure is its roof. To ensure the roof protects you, your loved ones, and all your belongings, you need to conduct maintenance, repair work, or full-scale roofing projects from time to time.
This protects the indoors from the harsh weather, improves energy efficiency, and boosts curb appeal.
But homeowners are often unaware of one crucial thing amidst it all – a permit for roof work. If you want to read more about it, let’s get started!
Why is a Permit for Roof Work Needed?
Roofing permits are necessary for roofing projects to ensure compliance with the local building codes and prevent any mishaps. One of the most common reasons is that it ensures the roof work obeys all safety standards.
This requirement ensures that roofers use high-quality materials and proper installation techniques that comply with the structure’s specifications and environmental conditions.
It also safeguards you (property owners) from subpar roofing. Lastly, it is a significant document of modifications and renovations, helping boost your home’s resale value. Roof permits are also necessary for historic and protected buildings.
What if I Don’t Get a Permit?
Without this permit for a new roof, you can get fined. You may be legally obliged to undo the roof work in certain cases. Other times, it may lead to issues when you sell your home. You may not receive insurance coverage if the roof work leads to any damage.
When Do You Need a Permit for a New Roof?
A permit for roofing is required for specific roof projects such as the following:
Roof Repairs
Before you assume anything, trivial roofing repairs, including leak patching, a handful of shingle replacement, or flashing fixing, don’t need a permit. These are not repairs or modifications but more like regular maintenance.
However, a permit is required if the roofing repair work is conducted on a huge area of the existing roof if it can affect the structure or if it requires replacing components like damaged rafters or decking.
In general, the higher the chances of impacting the structure, the greater the need for a permit.
Roof Replacements
For the ones asking, “Is a permit needed for roof replacement?” the answer is YES.
It can be any kind of roof replacement work, including taking off the old roofing material completely, replacing or fixing issues on the underlayment, and installing new shingles or tiles.
By getting a permit for the roof, you can ensure that all materials used in the replacement meet the latest building codes and that the installation techniques follow safety standards and energy efficiency.
New Roof Installation for New Structure
If you build a new home from scratch and get its first-ever roof, then you will need a permit for the roofing and the entire structure. This also applies to garage, shed, or other structural additions to your home.
These roofings are categorized under new construction guidelines. They include full inspections at multiple stages of the project.
Here, the roofing permit ensures that the roof is built according to local codes. This is especially important in regions experiencing frequent earthquakes, snow loads, and high winds.
Roof Overlay
If you’re unfamiliar with roof overlay (or layover), it involves adding a new layer to your home’s existing roof. This process requires installing new shingles directly over the existing ones without removing the old roofing materials. Since it significantly changes the roof’s weight and structure, local authorities require a permit to ensure your home can safely support the additional load.
Since it’s like adding an entirely new roof (without the tear-off part), this also needs a permit. In this, experts check whether your home’s structure can take the extra load of the new add-on roof.
They also verify the health of the existing roof. After all, if not, your roof will deteriorate with moisture, mold, and leaks.
Switching Roof Material
Some homeowners consider switching the roofing type completely. For instance, they may have asphalt shingles currently, which only last 15-30 years, and want to consider slate. In this case, a permit is always required before beginning the project.
The reason?
The new material has a different weight from the initial one. They need to ensure your house can take the load if it’s heavier than the previous one. If not, you will need to reinforce the roof frame.
They also require unique installation techniques. It’s also necessary to check whether the installation technique is suitable for the existing roof frame. They also check the fire ratings in case the locality is prone to wildfires.
Who Gets the Permit?
If you’re getting the roof work done by a reputed contractor, they will take responsibility and get the permit on your behalf. They will even tell you that the cost estimate for the permit will be separate from the roofing services.
Note: Always ask them whether they’ll obtain a permit. If they say it’s not needed, but the roof project clearly falls under the abovementioned options, that’s a red flag. Switch to another roofer immediately.
On the other hand, if you want to undertake a DIY roofing project, you’re responsible for obtaining the permit. For this, you must submit an application regarding the roof work. Make sure you mention all the necessary details about the project, including materials used, potential expenses, and a diagram of the existing and the new roof.
Significant Rules to Meet Roof Permit Requirements
Whether you’re working with a contractor or have opted for a DIY, you need to pay extra attention to ensure you get the roof permit without trouble and that your project complies with local codes throughout.
- Cross-check the local building codes before you plan the roofing work. A contractor (if you have one) will do the homework to get the permit. But it’s best to have complete knowledge and only then plan. This will prevent any last-minute, hurried changes to your new roof plan.
- Don’t just ask whether a roofing contractor will obtain a permit. Make sure you get a written confirmation. This way, if they ever back off on their word, you will have evidence.
- Keep every document, whether it’s the permit itself or anything about the inspection report. Photocopy them just to be safe. These documents can help in future reference.
- In case you are getting some minor roof work done, it’s better not to assume that you won’t need a permit. Instead, always seek the local building code office and verify it from them.
What Happens Next?
Once you get a permit, authorities fix a date for inspections. Here’s how it goes.
- Pre-inspection happens to check whether the existing roof conditions are what you reported. This commonly happens in re-roofing.
- They inspect the sheathing and underlayment during the construction phase.
- They inspect the project after its completion for final approval.
With the multiple stages of inspection, authorities ensure the roofing follows local building codes and doesn’t take hazardous shortcuts. After the inspector signs off, the permit is “closed.”
Parting Words
Ultimately, the need for a roof work permit depends solely on the type of project. So, it’s always best to confirm with authorities to ensure your safety, roof longevity, and legal compliance.
Now, if you want some help with your roofing project, whether it’s finding the best roofing materials or renowned roofing contractors, contact us at LA Roofing Materials. Owing to years of expertise, we’re connected with highly experienced roofers in the area.