If you are planning to install, repair, or replace your roof in New Jersey, you need to be aware of the roofing codes that your roofer must follow. Roofing codes are the rules and regulations that govern the design, construction, and maintenance of roofs. They are intended to ensure the safety, quality, and performance of roofs, as well as to protect the environment and the public health.
Roofing codes vary by state, county, and city, and they are updated periodically to reflect the latest standards and best practices. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the New Jersey roofing codes that your roofer must follow in 2023 and 2024, as well as some tips on how to choose a qualified and reputable roofing contractor in New Jersey.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey roofing codes are the rules and regulations that govern the design, construction, and maintenance of roofs in New Jersey, based on the International Building Code and the International Residential Code, as well as the amendments and modifications that are specific to New Jersey.
- New Jersey roofing codes cover various aspects of roofing, such as roof design and load, roof materials and systems, roof insulation and ventilation, roof flashing and drainage, and roof inspection and maintenance.
- New Jersey roofing codes are updated every three years by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and they apply to all types of buildings and structures in the state, including residential and commercial buildings, as well as existing and new construction.
- New Jersey roofing codes aim to ensure the safety, quality, and performance of roofs, as well as to protect the environment and the public health, and to address the issues and challenges that are common or unique to the New Jersey climate and environment.
- New Jersey roofing codes require that the roofer be licensed and insured, and that the roof materials and systems be approved and labeled, and that the roof installation and repair be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.
Architectural details of new roof.
New Jersey Roofing Codes for Commercial and Residential Buildings
| Category | Commercial Roofing Codes | Residential Roofing Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Design and Load | Based on Chapter 16 of the IBC, which covers the structural design and load of buildings | Based on Chapter 3 of the IRC, which covers the building planning and load of buildings |
| Roof Materials and Systems | Based on Chapter 15 of the IBC, which covers the roof assemblies and rooftop structures | Based on Chapter 9 of the IRC, which covers the roof assemblies |
| Roof Insulation and Ventilation | Based on Chapter 13 of the IBC, which covers the energy efficiency of buildings | Based on Chapter 11 of the IRC, which covers the energy efficiency of buildings |
| Roof Flashing and Drainage | Based on Chapter 15 of the IBC, which covers the roof assemblies and rooftop structures, and Chapter 16 of the IBC, which covers the structural design and load of buildings | Based on Chapter 9 of the IRC, which covers the roof assemblies, and Chapter 8 of the IRC, which covers the roof-ceiling construction |
New Jersey Roofing Codes Overview
The New Jersey roofing codes are based on the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), which are the model codes developed by the International Code Council (ICC). The ICC is a nonprofit organization that publishes and maintains the most widely used and accepted building codes in the United States.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is the state agency that adopts and enforces the building codes in New Jersey. The DCA updates the building codes every three years, based on the latest editions of the IBC and the IRC, as well as the amendments and modifications that are specific to New Jersey.
The current New Jersey building codes are based on the 2018 editions of the IBC and the IRC, which were adopted by the DCA on September 6, 2022, and went into effect on March 6, 20231. The next update of the New Jersey building codes will be based on the 2021 editions of the IBC and the IRC, which are expected to be adopted by the DCA in 2024 and go into effect in 20252.
The New Jersey building codes apply to all types of buildings and structures in the state, including residential and commercial buildings, as well as existing and new construction. The building codes cover various aspects of building design and construction, such as structural, fire, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, accessibility, and green standards.
The New Jersey roofing codes are the part of the building codes that specifically deal with the requirements and specifications for roofs. The roofing codes are divided into two categories: the commercial roofing codes and the residential roofing codes.
The commercial roofing codes apply to the roofs of buildings that are not classified as residential, such as office buildings, retail stores, schools, hospitals, hotels, etc. The commercial roofing codes are based on Chapter 15 of the IBC, which covers the roof assemblies and rooftop structures.
The residential roofing codes apply to the roofs of buildings that are classified as residential, such as one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and accessory structures. The residential roofing codes are based on Chapter 9 of the IRC, which covers the roof assemblies.
The roofing codes specify the minimum requirements and standards for the design, materials, installation, inspection, and maintenance of roofs. The roofing codes also address the issues and challenges that are common or unique to the New Jersey climate and environment, such as wind, snow, ice, rain, hail, fire, solar, and energy efficiency.
New Jersey Roofing Codes Highlights
The New Jersey roofing codes are quite extensive and detailed, and they cover a wide range of topics and situations. It is not possible to list all the roofing codes in this article, but we will highlight some of the most important and relevant ones that your roofer must follow in 2023 and 2024.
Roof Design and Load
The New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof design and load comply with the structural provisions of the building codes, as well as the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications. The roof design and load must account for the dead load, live load, wind load, snow load, rain load, and any other loads that may affect the roof performance and stability.
The New Jersey roofing codes specify the minimum design loads for roofs, based on the type, location, and occupancy of the building, as well as the climatic and geographic conditions of the site. The New Jersey roofing codes also provide the methods and formulas for calculating the design loads, as well as the tables and maps for determining the load factors and coefficients.
For example, the New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof live load be not less than 20 pounds per square foot (psf) for residential buildings, and not less than 12 psf for commercial buildings, unless otherwise specified by the building codes or the manufacturer’s instructions3. The New Jersey roofing codes also require that the roof snow load be determined by using the ground snow load map and the snow load analysis procedure provided by the building codes4.
Roof Materials and Systems
The New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof materials and systems be approved by the DCA or the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), which are the agencies that evaluate and certify the compliance of building products and materials with the building codes and standards. The roof materials and systems must also bear the label or identification of the manufacturer, the product name, the model number, and the approval number.
The New Jersey roofing codes allow various types of roof materials and systems, such as asphalt shingles, metal, slate, tile, wood, and solar, as long as they meet the requirements and specifications of the building codes and the manufacturer’s instructions. The New Jersey roofing codes also provide the minimum standards and criteria for the performance, quality, and installation of the roof materials and systems, such as the fire rating, wind resistance, water resistance, durability, and compatibility.
For example, the New Jersey roofing codes require that the asphalt shingles have a minimum Class A fire rating, a minimum Class F wind resistance rating, and a minimum Class G impact resistance rating, according to the ASTM standards5. The New Jersey roofing codes also require that the asphalt shingles be installed over a minimum 15-pound felt underlayment, with a minimum 4-inch lap, and secured with corrosion-resistant nails, according to the manufacturer’s instructions6.
Roof Insulation and Ventilation
The New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof insulation and ventilation comply with the energy and mechanical provisions of the building codes, as well as the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications. The roof insulation and ventilation must provide adequate thermal resistance, air tightness, moisture control, and indoor air quality for the roof and the building.
The New Jersey roofing codes specify the minimum insulation levels for roofs, based on the climate zone and the type of roof assembly. The New Jersey roofing codes also provide the methods and materials for installing the insulation, as well as the tables and charts for determining the insulation values and factors.
For example, the New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof insulation have a minimum R-value of 38 for residential buildings, and a minimum R-value of 30 for commercial buildings, in climate zone 4, which covers most of New Jersey7. The New Jersey roofing codes also require that the insulation be continuous and uninterrupted, and that the insulation be installed above, below, or within the roof assembly, according to the type of roof construction8.
The New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof ventilation provide a minimum net free ventilating area of 1/150 of the area of the vented space, or 1/300 of the area of the vented space if certain conditions are met, such as the use of a vapor retarder or a balanced ventilation system. The New Jersey roofing codes also provide the methods and materials for installing the ventilation, as well as the tables and charts for determining the ventilation area and ratio.
For example, the New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof ventilation be provided by vents installed in the upper and lower portions of the roof, such as ridge vents and soffit vents, or by other approved methods, such as gable vents or roof turbines9. The New Jersey roofing codes also require that the vents be screened, louvered, or otherwise protected from the entry of rain, snow, insects, and animals10.
Roof Flashing and Drainage
The New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof flashing and drainage comply with the plumbing and fire provisions of the building codes, as well as the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications. The roof flashing and drainage must prevent the leakage and accumulation of water on the roof and the building, and provide adequate protection and discharge for the roof and the building.
The New Jersey roofing codes specify the minimum requirements and standards for the design, materials, installation, inspection, and maintenance of the roof flashing and drainage, such as the slope, size, location, and connection of the roof drains, gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and overflow devices. The New Jersey roofing codes also address the issues and challenges that are common or unique to the New Jersey climate and environment, such as ice dams, snow guards, and fire sprinklers.
For example, the New Jersey roofing codes require that the roof slope be not less than 1/4 inch per foot for asphalt shingles, metal, slate, tile, and wood roofs, and not less than 1/8 inch per foot for built-up, modified bitumen, and single-ply roofs, unless otherwise specified by the building codes or the manufacturer’s instructions11. The New Jersey roofing codes also require that the roof drains, gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and overflow devices be sized and installed according to the rainfall intensity and the roof area, and that they be connected to the storm drainage system or discharged to an approved location.
New Jersey Roofing Codes
Q: How can I find out the current New Jersey roofing codes for my roofing project?
A: You can find out the current New Jersey roofing codes for your roofing project by visiting the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website, where you can access the online versions of the building codes, as well as the amendments and modifications that are specific to New Jersey. You can also contact the local building department or code official in your county or city, where you can obtain the printed copies of the building codes, as well as the permits and inspections that are required for your roofing project.
Q: How can I find out the future New Jersey roofing codes for my roofing project?
A: You can find out the future New Jersey roofing codes for your roofing project by visiting the International Code Council website, where you can access the online versions of the latest editions of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code, which are the model codes that the New Jersey roofing codes are based on. You can also visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website, where you can access the proposed amendments and modifications that are specific to New Jersey, and where you can participate in the public hearings and comment periods that are held before the adoption and implementation of the new building codes.
Q: How can I find out if my roof complies with the New Jersey roofing codes?
A: You can find out if your roof complies with the New Jersey roofing codes by hiring a licensed and qualified roofing contractor, such as RGB Construction, who can inspect, assess, and certify the condition and compliance of your roof. You can also contact the local building department or code official in your county or city, who can inspect, verify, and approve the compliance of your roof, and who can issue the certificates of occupancy or completion that are required for your roofing project.
Q: How can I find out if my roofer complies with the New Jersey roofing codes?
A: You can find out if your roofer complies with the New Jersey roofing codes by checking their license and insurance status, and by asking for proof of them. You can verify their license and insurance status by visiting the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website, or by contacting the local building department or code official in your county or city. You can also check their credentials and certifications from reputable roofing manufacturers, such as GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed, and by asking for proof of them. You can also check their portfolio, testimonials, ratings, and awards, and by asking for references and feedback from their previous customers.
Q: How can I find out if my roof materials and systems comply with the New Jersey roofing codes?
A: You can find out if your roof materials and systems comply with the New Jersey roofing codes by checking their approval and label status, and by asking for proof of them. You can verify their approval and label status by visiting the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website, or the ICC Evaluation Service website, which are the agencies that evaluate and certify the compliance of building products and materials with the building codes and standards. You can also check their performance, quality, and installation standards and criteria, and by asking for the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.
Q: How can I find out if my roof insulation and ventilation comply with the New Jersey roofing codes?
A: You can find out if your roof insulation and ventilation comply with the New Jersey roofing codes by checking their insulation levels and ventilation ratios, and by asking for proof of them. You can verify their insulation levels and ventilation ratios by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy website, which provides the minimum insulation levels for roofs based on the climate zone and the type of roof assembly, as well as the methods and materials for installing the insulation. You can also verify their insulation levels and ventilation ratios by visiting the International Code Council website, which provides the minimum ventilation ratios for roofs based on the area of the vented space and the type of ventilation system, as well as the methods and materials for installing the ventilation.
Facts and Statistics: New Jersey Roofing Codes
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 3,281,666 housing units in New Jersey in 2020, of which 64.3% were owner-occupied and 35.7% were renter-occupied.
- According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, there were 2,100 roofing contractors in New Jersey in 2019, employing 8,900 workers, with an annual payroll of $481,900,000.
- According to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, there were 2,841 permits issued for roof replacement in New Jersey in 2020, with a total construction value of $67,914,000.
- According to the U.S. Climate Data, the average annual temperature in New Jersey is 54.1°F, with the highest temperature of 86.8°F in July and the lowest temperature of 23.6°F in January. The average annual precipitation in New Jersey is 47.21 inches, with the highest precipitation of 4.72 inches in July and the lowest precipitation of 2.93 inches in February.
- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New Jersey experienced 14 extreme weather events that caused more than $1 billion in damages each from 1980 to 2020, including 7 tropical cyclones, 4 winter storms, 2 droughts, and 1 inland flood. The most costly event was Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which caused $70.2 billion in damages and 159 deaths in the region.
