What You Need To Know About Roof Replacement Building Regulations
It’s not much fun to talk about rules, but when it comes to replacing your roof, the rules are there for a good reason. They’re to ensure the stability of your home and the safety of everyone in it, which is why we take those rules very seriously.
At LB Solutions, our first priority is keeping you and your home safe. Here’s what you need to know about roof replacement and building regulations in Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
Roof Replacement vs. Re-Roofing
We get asked a lot about the difference between roof replacement and re-roofing. In a nutshell, this is how we define these terms:
Roof replacement is removing your old roof and installing a new one in its place. You may also hear this referred to as a “tear-off” roof replacement.
Re-roofing is installing a new roof on top of your current roof, leaving the existing layers intact.
We generally avoid re-roofing, as it is rarely the best or most long-lasting solution. It is also against the law in many situations. Minnesota law prohibits re-roofing over more than a single layer. Essentially, if your home has been re-roofed before, it cannot be re-roofed again.
Permit Requirements
A permit is required to replace the roof on your residence. Specific permit laws may vary by town or county, but it’s always important to make sure your roofing contractor is on top of securing the necessary permits before they start work!
Ice Barrier (Ice and Water Shield)
We don’t have to tell you how challenging Minnesota winters are! As a result, all residential roofs are required to have an ice barrier installed as part of the underlayment, and it must be installed from your roof’s edge to a point at least 24 inches past your home’s exterior wall line.
Roof Slope
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, and they’re suitable for most residential homes. Asphalt shingles can only be used on buildings with a roof slope of 3/12 or greater. This means your roof must increase at least three feet in elevation for every 12 feet of horizontal width, or else an alternative roofing material must be used.
Have more questions about roof replacement and building regulations? Contact us today to learn more, and talk to our team about working with LB Solutions for all your roof repair and replacement needs in the Twin Cities area.