Longmont Roofing Regulations: Navigating the Codes and Local Compliance
Roofing in Longmont, Colorado, is governed by strict local ordinances designed to protect properties from the region's intense weather, particularly high winds and heavy hailstorms. For homeowners and commercial property managers alike, understanding the City of Longmont's adopted building codes and the mandatory permitting process is essential before beginning any repair or replacement project.
Key Longmont Roofing Code Requirements
The City of Longmont has adopted the 2021 Edition of the International Codes (including the International Residential Code, or IRC, and the International Building Code, or IBC), effective January 1, 2022. Local amendments often make the requirements more stringent than the base national codes, especially concerning impact resistance and storm preparedness.
1. The "One Square Rule" (Repair Threshold)
The most notable local regulation is the "One Square Rule."
Requirement: A single roofing "square" is defined as 100 square feet. If the scope of repair or replacement work exceeds this 100 square feet threshold anywhere on the roof, the entire roof covering must be replaced down to the roof deck. Partial replacement of only the damaged roof plane is generally not permitted if the total work area exceeds one square.
Permit Necessity: Any roofing project exceeding 100 square feet requires a building permit from the City of Longmont Building Services. Repairs below this threshold typically do not require a permit.
2. Material Standards for Storm Resilience
Due to Longmont's exposure to high winds and hail, specific material standards are mandated to ensure durability:
Wind Resistance: All asphalt shingles used in the City of Longmont must carry a manufacturer’s warranty for sustained winds of 110 mph.
Impact Resistance: While Boulder County often requires a Class A fire rating in Wildfire Zones, the city's focus on storm damage means that Class 4 impact-resistant shingles (tested to UL 2218) are widely recommended and sometimes implicitly required by local practice, as they offer the best defense against hail damage common in Colorado.
Layer Removal: Existing code prohibits overlaying new shingles on top of old ones. For replacements, all existing roofing materials must be removed down to the roof deck before new installation begins.
3. Protection Against Ice and Water
To combat snow and ice buildup, Longmont mandates specific protective measures:
Ice and Water Shield: The installation of an ice and water shield (a self-adhering, waterproof membrane) is mandatory in Longmont, particularly in areas prone to ice damming or where there is evidence of previous damage.
Drip Edge: Drip edges are required at both the eaves and rakes of the roof to prevent water infiltration and protect the underlying sheathing.
Permitting and Inspection Process
Any project requiring a permit (i.e., roof work exceeding 100 square feet) must pass a final inspection. While a mid-roof inspection is typically not necessary, the final inspection verifies proper installation of the roof covering, flashings, underlayment attachment, and compliance with the high-wind nailing pattern specified by the manufacturer. Contractors are responsible for applying for the permit and scheduling the final inspection.
Local Compliance Spotlight: Josh Brooks Construction & Renovation
When dealing with stringent local codes, selecting a contractor familiar with Longmont's specific requirements is crucial. Josh Brooks Construction & Renovation (JBCR) is a local firm operating in Longmont, CO, that offers comprehensive roofing services, alongside other interior and exterior renovation work.
As a contractor providing full roofing replacement and repair services, JBCR's operations must strictly adhere to the City of Longmont’s building codes, including the "One Square Rule," the 110-mph wind rating requirement, and proper installation of ice and water shields.
JBCR is known for handling various aspects of home improvement, including:
Roofing Services: Installation, replacement, and repair of asphalt shingle and other roofing systems.
Renovation: Comprehensive remodeling of kitchens, bathrooms, and general construction.
Homeowners engaging JBCR or any other Longmont contractor should verify that the company handles the entire permitting and inspection process, ensuring that the work is compliant with all current municipal codes and adopted International Building Codes to maintain the structural integrity and insurance validity of the property.
