It could be a very bad mold problem, or a long overlooked structural issue; it is such an inconvenience if you suddenly find out that you need an emergency roof repair in Sunnyvale, even more so if you need to re-roof a large area.  According to the building requirements of California, and the Sunnyvale municipal code: any re-roofing or repairs of more than 100 square feet requires a permit and must follow the requirements specified by the 2013 California building code, residential code, fire code, and energy efficiency standards. That’s a lot of regulations to read-up on, so here is a brief summary of the major points that you need to remember:

  • The roofing material must have a minimum of a Class B fire rating.
  • As stated in the Sunnyvale.ca.gov site: “The Planning Division requires that the existing quality of roof material be maintained on all re-roofs. For example, if replacing an existing 30-year composition roof, a minimum of 30-year composition shall be installed. For the purposes of this requirements, a tile or shake roof is considered to be equivalent quality to a 40-year composition.”
  • During the building inspection, the manufacturer’s installation plans and specifications shall be provided and ready at the job site.
  • A fire extinguisher is required if the repair/re-roof requires hot work.
  • Flashings should be provided at all wall and roof gutters, intersections, and change in slope and direction.
  • All flashings must be made of a minimum 26 gauge galvanized metal. Any lower standard material is not allowed.
  • Another vital tip from the Sunnyvale.ca.gov page: “Provide a drip edge at eaves and gables of asphalt shingle roofs. Adjacent pieces of the drip edge shall be overlapped a minimum of 2 inches. The drip edge shall extend ¼ inch below the roof sheathing and a minimum of 2 inches up the roof deck. The drip edge shall be mechanically fastened to the roof deck at a maximum of 12 inches. The underlayment shall be installed over the drip edge along the eaves, and under the drip edge at gables. Shingles can be flush with the drip edge if allowed by the manufacturer.”
  • If the new roof exceeds 7.5 pounds/square foot in weight (including sheathing and materials) then additional framings and support will be required.

You can also consult with your roofing contractor from established companies like Shelton Roofing, as they are well-versed and informed on the building codes of California and Sunnyvale. They can also give you advice on which materials is best used to comply with all the standards mandated by the state, and municipality. After all your new roof must not only look good, but should also be sturdy and safe.

Sources:

RE-ROOF REQUIREMENTS, Sunnyvale.ca.gov

Florida Building Code Advanced Training: Residential Roofing—Shingles, floridabuilding.org

On-Line Building Permit Services, ecityhall.sunnyvale.ca.gov