When reroofing an existing building, the roof covering and materials must comply with the Florida Building Code – Existing Building Edition Chapter 7. Section 707.3.2 requires that the roof diaphragms, connections to the roof framing, and roof-to-wall connections be evaluated for uplift resistance.

The base sheet must be nailed under HVHZ’s typical fastener patterns.

Roofing Materials

Florida has some of the most stringent building codes in the country, especially where roofing is concerned. With a long history of hurricanes making landfall in the state, these rules are designed to offer as much protection as possible. Those living in a high-velocity hurricane zone should ensure that their home meets these standards, which can help reduce the risk of damage and save on insurance rates.

Most Florida homes feature shingle roofs, which are famous for their affordability and durability. They are also easy to install and match any home’s color scheme. However, many homeowners choose tile roofs because they are more durable and withstand a higher wind load.

The new Florida Building Code update for 2021 will introduce many changes related to Florida Roofing materials and construction methods. These changes are aimed at strengthening resistance to wind damage and improving water infiltration. They will impact both new and existing construction.

Flashing

One of the most important aspects of a roof is the flashing. These metal strips are placed next to roof joints like the chimney, skylights, and high vents to protect your home from water damage. They can be made from various materials, but metals are the most durable and cost-effective.

There are many different types of flashing. The most common are metal flashings, which come in various shapes and sizes. They can be either exposed or embedded in the walls. Examples include apron flashing (installed around projections to protect seams), channel flashing, sill flashing, and brick flashing.

Florida’s strict roof building codes result from the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. This disaster inspired lawmakers to revamp the building code and make changes to protect homeowners. Under the current rules, if more than 25 percent of a roof needs to be repaired or replaced, the entire roof must be brought up to code.

Ventilation

Like our lungs, our roofs need to breathe to ensure fresh air comes in, and lousy air goes out. Proper ventilation keeps the humidity down and helps prevent moisture, gases, odors, and dust from migrating into living areas.

There are several ways to vent a roof, but eave-to-ridge ventilation is the most effective. Outside air enters the soffit or eave vents in this system and rises through the attic space to exit at the top of the roof. This type of venting is also required when reroofing a home or building.

The Florida Building Code’s 7th Edition contains many changes that improve roofing requirements to strengthen resistance to wind damage and water infiltration. For example, the new rule says if 25% or more of the existing roof needs to be repaired or replaced, the entire roof must be replaced. It will save homeowners and insurance companies money and reduce disruptions to daily life.

Waterproofing

After Hurricane Andrew’s destruction and subsequent hurricane seasons (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Rita, Wilma, and others), the Florida Building Commission continued developing roofing and structural standards to increase further building resistance to hurricane-force winds. These included strengthening soffits, adding a secondary water barrier, and other improvements.

It’s crucial to ensure that your roofing contractor knows these requirements so they can properly repair your roof and prevent future problems. An excellent way to test this is to ask if they have completed any Florida roofing inspections in the past.

Recent changes in Florida roofing codes have saved property owners money on repairs. Before these new rules, it was required that if 25% or more of a roof was repaired, it needed to be replaced entirely to meet Florida’s “25% Roof Replacement Rule.” Now property owners can replace only the damaged parts of their roofs.