What the IRC/IBC Does Regulate
- Roof wind uplift resistance
- Roof fire classification
- Roof installation methods
- Use of ice barriers
- Minimum material standards
What the IRC/IBC DOES NOT Mandate Statewide
One thing that isn't specified by the IRC and IBC is a requirement for UL 2218 Class 3 or Class 4 roofing. Impact resistance isn't covered. You can install a Class 1 or Class 2 roof in many Texas cities, even in hail-prone areas, unless the local jurisdiction or HOA requires otherwise.
Local Amendments and HOA Rules
Some Texas jurisdictions and developments go further than the base IRC and IBC mandates with their own minimum code requirements. They understand that the international codes can be a bit broad and the bare minimum just isn't enough. The local roofing industry and government officials are usually better equipped at deciding what needed to maintain structural integrity.
Examples of Local Build Code Requirements For Roofing
- Austin and Central Texas cities may require:
- Enhanced impact resistance for roof shingles
- Specific shingle performance standards
- Master-planned communities / HOAs often:
- Require Class 3 or Class 4
- Restrict visible metal roofing
- Require architectural or designer shingles
Bottom line: Impact rating and enhanced durability is often enforced locally, not statewide or through adopted international codes. Always check with the city building department and HOA architectural guidelines if one exists for the neighborhood.
Are Impact Resistant Shingles Required in Central Texas?
Class 4 impact resistant shingles could be a requirement in some jurisdictions. If an area is prone to hail damage then there's a possibility the local officials might see it as a big enough risk. They will approach hail impact in the same way they do fire resistance, looking at hail damage repair as a serious possibility. While no roofing material is hail-proof, the goal would be to increase the odds that the roof and withstand hailstorms.
Insurance Rules Influence Code Compliance
Are impact resistant shingles worth the extra cost if they aren't required? In some cases they are because it helps out with your insurance costs.
While building codes don’t always require Class 4 roofs, insurance companies often act like they should when they are calculating rates and coverage. Not surprisingly, in hail-heavy regions, insurers increasingly prefer or incentivize using Class 4 roofing materials.
Some insurance companies offer discounts for property owners that upgrade their roofing to better withstand winds, wind blown debris and hail storms. At the time, they can charge higher premiums for Class 1-2 roofs that aren't as good at taking an impact.
Another thing to watch out for is with the deductible. Sometimes the insurance company will apply percentage-based high wind and hail deductibles unless upgraded materials are used. There may be a high upfront cost with the Class 4 roofing, but in the long run higher insurance rates could make it a much better investment.
The team at LOA can help you figure out what local building codes are required for the roof so there's no concern about compliance. Our professionals will provide honest feedback about which roofing materials will work best for your structure based on what local officials regulate, the type of roof you have and if extreme weather events are a concern.
Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection and estimate!
