
Yes, as long as the truss drawing bears the seal of a PA registered design professional. Is ice and water shield required? Ice and water shield is required on any "A" framed roof from the eave to a point 2' inside the wall line. There is an exception for detached accessory structures not intended to be habitable spaces.
What is an ice and water shield and do you need one?
An ice and water shield has two main purposes. First, it prevents ice dams from forming along the roof’s perimeter in winter. For this reason, building code requires ice and water shields for homes in northern climates and in regions with cold winters. An ice dam is especially worrisome as it forms once water refreezes on a roof’s edge.
Where should ice and water protectors be installed?
Most commonly, roofing professionals install ice and water protector on eaves, rake edges, overhangs and valleys, as they are most vulnerable to ice dams and wind-driven rain. As well, this may be a building code requirement in some jurisdictions.
What is the minimum height for ice and water protector?
Ice and water protector must reach above the highest expected level of ice dams, which will vary by region and the slope of your roof. The minimum is typically 2 feet (24 inches or 0.60 m) above the vertical projection of the inside of the exterior wall.
What is ice and water shield made of?
Ice and water protector, sometimes also referred to as ice and water shield, is a waterproof roof underlayment membrane developed to protect vulnerable areas on a roof from ice and water damage. Ice and water protectors (sometimes called ice and snow shields in cold climates) are made with polymer-modified bitumen.

What is the code for ice and water Shield?
R905. 2(1), an ice barrier shall be installed for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes.
What building codes does Pennsylvania use?
The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) regulates the codes and standards of building projects in the Commonwealth. The UCC has been enforced since April 2004 across Pennsylvania.
What Electrical Code does Pennsylvania use?
The building code in Pennsylvania is known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
How many layers of roof shingles are allowed in Pennsylvania?
The short answer: two.
Do I need a permit to replace windows in PA?
ORDINARY REPAIRS do not require a permit. Some examples of such would be new gutters, painting, replacement of windows where the existing opening in the structure isn't altered.
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in PA?
More specifically, many townships in Pennsylvania do not require a permit unless there is structural work being done with the roof replacement. Roof sheathing is considered structural, so if your plan is to replace the sheathing along with the other roofing materials, then a permit is most likely required.
Do I need a permit to replace a deck in PA?
Decks less than 30” high (measured from grade) do not require a Building Permit. For decks and porches over 30” high or having a roof, a Permit is required.
Do you need a permit to replace a furnace in PA?
5. Do I need a permit to replace my water heater, furnace, heat pump and/or boiler, etc.? Yes, the replacement or installation of such appliances (and other such installations) does require a plumbing/mechanical permit and inspection.
What size shed can I build without a permit in Pennsylvania?
For example; the PA UCC exempts fully-detached residential accessory buildings (garage or shed) less than 1000 square feet from needing a permit, but many jurisdictions have amended this provision to reduce the exemption to two-hundred (200) square feet.
Is it okay to shingle over old shingles?
Installing a new roof over shingles takes less time than tearing off the old roof. Looks just as good and lasts as long. As long as it's done right and under the right conditions, installing new shingles over old ones can last as long and look just as good as a complete re-roof. Has the same manufacturer's warranty.
How many times can you reroof a house?
Under normal circumstances, 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs should last 15-20 years before needing replacement. However, architectural asphalt shingle roofs are a bit more resilient to the elements due to their design. These may last up to 10 years longer than 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs.
Can a roof be too heavy for House?
When you begin researching different roofing materials, you will discover that roofs can be very heavy or they can be very low weight. The difference can be like parking three fully loaded dump trucks on top of your home, or half of a Mini Cooper.
Where do you find local building codes?
ICC (International Code Council) The definitive source for all residential and commercial building codes in the United States.
Has Pennsylvania adopted the Uniform Commercial Code?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has adopted the National UCC Financing Statement (PDF), the National UCC Financing Statement Amendment (PDF), the Information Request (PDF) and the Information Statement (PDF) as approved by the International Association of Commercial Administrators (IACA).
When did Pennsylvania adopt the 2015 IBC?
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission voted Sept. 13 to adopt almost all of the provisions of the 2015 International Building Codes (I-Codes), and the changes became effective Sept. 29 upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Does Pennsylvania follow the Uniform Commercial Code?
Pennsylvania has adopted the following Articles of the UCC: Article 3: Negotiable instruments: UCC Article 3 applies to negotiable instruments. It does not apply to money, to payment orders governed by Article 4A, or to securities governed by Article 8.
What are the prescriptive requirements for a roof?
The prescriptive requirements are R-19 for the floors, R-13 for walls, and R-38 for ceiling/roofs.
What is exempt from a drywall permit?
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter-tops, and similar finish work. Minor replacement of drywall and plaster in limited areas is also exempt.
How high must a barrier be above grade?
The barrier must extend from a maximum of 2" above grade to a minimum of 48" above grade.
Can a truss be a PA registered design?
Yes, as long as the truss drawing bears the seal of a PA registered design professional.
Can you install a GFCI receptacle that is marked "No Equipment Ground"?
You may install one GFCI type receptacle that is marked "No Equipment Ground."
What is the ice barrier on a roof?
In areas where there has been a history of ice forming along the eaves causing a backup of water as designated in Table R301.2 (1), an ice barrier that consists of a least two layers of underlayment cemented together or of a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet, shall be used in lieu of normal underlayment and extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least 24 inches (610 mm) inside the exterior wall line of the building.
What is the UL code for above deck thermal insulation?
The use of above-deck thermal insulation shall be permitted provided such insulation is covered with an approved roof covering and passes FM 4450 or UL 1256.
How to treat fire resistant wood shakes?
Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles shall be treated by impregnation with chemicals by the full-cell vacuum- pressure process, in accordance with AWPA C1. Each bundle shall be marked to identify the manufactured unit and the manufacturer, and shall also be labeled to identify the classification of the material in accordance with the testing required in Section R902.1, the treating company and the quality control agency.
How high should a roof drain be?
Where roof drains are required, overflow drains having the same size as the roof drains shall be installed with the inlet flow line located 2 inches (51 mm) above the low point of the roof, or overflow scuppers having three times the size of the roof drains and having a minimum opening height of 4 inches (102 mm) shall be installed in the adjacent parapet walls with the inlet flow located 2 inches (51 mm) above the low point of the roof served. The installation and sizing of overflow drains, leaders and conductors shall comply with the International Plumbing Code.
Can you put valley lining on shingles?
Valley linings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions before applying shingles. Valley linings of the following types shall be permitted:
Can asphalt shingles be fastened to a deck?
Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed decks.
What is Ice and Water Shielding?
In a nutshell, underlayments that offer ice and water shielding are a waterproof membrane designed to protect a roof deck against damage from ice, melting snow and rainwater. These underlayments are always of the peel-and-stick variety. The reason for that is because non-adhesive underlayments installed with fasteners can’t be considered truly waterproof since there is always the chance for some moisture to seep in around fastener punctures.
Why do builders use ice and water shields?
Builders will often use ice and water shield around the edges of the roof to protect against ice damming, plus in valleys and around chimneys and other fixtures prone to leakage. To reduce costs, they’ll then use a standard non-adhesive underlayment elsewhere on the roof.
Why are peel and stick nails not waterproof?
The reason for that is because non-adhesive underlayments installed with fasteners can’t be considered truly waterproof since there is always the chance for some moisture to seep in around fastener punctures. With a peel-and-stick underlayment, the adhesive is designed to seal around nail punctures to keep water out.
Why is ice and water shielding important?
That’s because on low slopes and in valleys, there is an increased risk of water pooling, which means the underlayment is a necessary defense against moisture damage. Builders will often use ice and water shield around ...
How does an ice dam form?
Ice dams form when meltwater refreezes along the roof’s soffit, thus trapping additional moisture as it flows down from upper parts of the roof. Water trapped by ice dams can make its way beneath shingles, and the underlayment is necessary to protect against this seepage.
Is ice and water shield required?
As you can see, ice and water shield isn’t always necessary, though in some places, it is required by code. And in areas prone to high winds and snow, ice and water shield becomes very important for the safety of the roof deck below.
Where are emergency drains required?
Where roof drains are required, secondary emergency overflow roof drains or scuppers shall be provided where the roof perimeter construction extends above the roof in such a manner that water will be entrapped if the primary drains allow buildup for any reason. Overflow drains having the same size as the roof drains shall be installed with the inlet flow line located 2 inches (51 mm) above the low point of the roof, or overflow scuppers having three times the size of the roof drains and having a minimum opening height of 4 inches (102 mm) shall be installed in the adjacent parapet walls with the inlet flow located 2 inches (51 mm) above the low point of the roof served. The installation and sizing of overflow drains, leaders and conductors shall comply with Sections 1106 and 1108 of the International Plumbing Code, as applicable.
How are fire resistant wood shakes treated?
Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles shall be treated by impregnation with chemicals by the full-cell vacuum- pressure process, in accordance with AWPA C1. Each bundle shall be marked to identify the manufactured unit and the manufacturer, and shall be labeled to identify the classification of the material in accordance with the testing required in Section R902.1, the treating company and the quality control agency.
What is the fire classification for photovoltaic panels?
Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panels and modules installed on or above the roof covering shall be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with UL 1703. Class A, B or C photovoltaic panels and modules shall be installed in jurisdictions designated by law as requiring their use or where the edge of the roof is less than 3 feet (914 mm) from a lot line.
Can metal roof shingles be secured to a roof?
Metal roof shingles shall be secured to the roof in accordance with this chapter and the approved manufacturer's installation instructions.
How Should Ice and Water Protector be Installed on a Roof?
Ice and water protector needs to be installed directly onto the roof deck after you have placed the drip edge at the eave. (The drip edge will be installed over the ice and water protector and other underlayments at roof rake edges.)
Why use ice and water protectors?
Ice and water protector is recommended for low-slope areas and valleys because these roof areas are particularly vulnerable. Homeowners are encouraged to check their local building code as some jurisdictions will have different requirements for use.
What is Ice and Water Protector Made Of?
The key component of roof ice and water protector is polymer-modified bitumen (also known as asphalt). A common feature of most ice and water protectors is the advantage of self-sealing around roofing nails. This feature greatly reduces the possibility of leaks occurring when ice or storms force water underneath the shingles.
Should You Put Ice and Water Shield on the Entire Roof Deck?
However, in most circumstances, you should not put ice and water shield on the entire roof deck. Other synthetic underlayment options such as IKO’s Stormtite® provide the protection that the rest of the roof deck needs. Other underlayments typically cost less than ice and water protector, so using them on the rest of the roof is more cost-effective for the homeowner. However, you should always refer to your local building codes.
Is Ice and Water Shield Always Necessary?
If you are installing a new roof , ice and water shield is not always compulsory. In many northern areas of the United States and Canada, ice and water shield is necessary and mandated by building codes. In some southern states, building code authorities do not require ice and water shield. However, even where it is not mandated, ice and water protector offers many advantages to help protect your roof.
What is ice protection on a roof?
A safety feature of these membranes is a slip-resistant top surface for better traction during installation. Potentially, covering an entire roof with ice and water protector can prevent leaks even after high wind conditions blow shingles off the roof—preventing further damage and making repair easier.
Why are ice dams dangerous?
The Risks of Ice Dams. Ice dams are a serious issue for homeowners and roofing professionals in cold climates, or even where occasional snow may fall. Ice dams are formed by the continuous melting and freezing of snow due to heat escaping from the house, or from a backup of frozen slush from the rain gutters.
