3 Essential Roofing Elements Required by Code in the MidSouth

3 Essential Roofing Elements Required by Code in the MidSouth

Mar 25 2024

When it comes to roofing in the MidSouth, understanding and adhering to local building codes is not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring the safety, durability, and efficiency of your home. These codes, designed with the region’s unique climate and weather patterns in mind, specify essential elements for new roofs. This blog delves into the three critical components mandated by code: Drip Edge, Ice and Water Shield, and Chimney Cap for chimneys wider than 30 inches. We’ll explore what each element is, its significance, and conclude with the importance of selecting a roofing contractor who prioritizes compliance and quality, spotlighting Restoration Roofing as a premier choice.

Drip Edge: The Unsung Hero of Roofing

What It Is: A drip edge is a metal flashing installed at the edges of your roof. Typically made from aluminum or galvanized steel, it’s designed to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter, protecting the underlying roofing components.

Why It’s Needed: In the MidSouth, where sudden storms are common, the drip edge plays a pivotal role in water management. It prevents water from seeping under the shingles at the edges, safeguarding the wooden components of your roof from rot and decay. Moreover, it provides additional support to the shingles at the roof’s edge, which are most susceptible to wind uplift.

Ice and Water Shield: A Guard Against the Elements

What It Is: The Ice and Water Shield is a self-adhering underlayment installed beneath the shingles, primarily at the eaves, valleys, and around roof penetrations. Made of modified bitumen, it creates a watertight barrier where water most frequently collects or where wind-driven rain is a concern.

Why It’s Needed: While ice dams might be less common in the MidSouth, heavy rains and wind-driven precipitation are not. The Ice and Water Shield is crucial for preventing water intrusion in these vulnerable areas of the roof, particularly in regions prone to hurricanes or severe storms. It’s an added layer of protection that can prevent costly water damage to the interior of your home.

Chimney Cap for Chimneys Wider Than 30 Inches

What It Is: A chimney cap is a protective cover installed at the top of a chimney. For chimneys wider than 30 inches, codes often stipulate specific requirements for caps to ensure adequate protection against rain, debris, and animal intrusion.

Why It’s Needed: A properly sized and installed chimney cap prevents water from entering the chimney, where it can erode mortar joints and damage the chimney liner. Given the MidSouth’s propensity for sudden downpours, this is an essential feature for maintaining the integrity of larger chimneys, preventing water damage that can lead to expensive repairs.

Choosing a Roofer That Does Not Cut Corners

With the critical nature of these roofing elements, choosing the right roofer becomes paramount. It’s not just about installing a roof; it’s about installing a roof that adheres to local codes, ensuring the safety and longevity of your investment. Here’s why you should opt for a roofer that values compliance and quality:

  • Expertise in Local Building Codes: A reputable roofer will be well-versed in MidSouth building codes and ensure that all installations meet or exceed these standards.
  • Quality Materials and Installation: Professional roofers use high-quality materials and follow best practices for installation, ensuring each component of your roof functions as intended.
  • Long-Term Durability: By adhering to codes and not cutting corners, a quality roofer guarantees a roof that withstands the test of time and weather, saving you from future headaches and expenses.

Restoration Roofing: Your Partner for Code-Compliant Roofing in the MidSouth

In the search for a roofing contractor who ticks all the boxes, Restoration Roofing stands out. Our commitment to excellence, deep understanding of local building codes, and uncompromising approach to quality make us a leading choice for homeowners in the MidSouth.

Why Choose Us?

  • Code Compliance: We pride ourselves on our thorough knowledge of MidSouth roofing codes, ensuring every roof we install is fully compliant and optimized for the region’s weather challenges.
  • Attention to Detail: From the drip edge to the chimney cap, we pay meticulous attention to every aspect of your roof, guaranteeing each element is installed with precision.
  • Unmatched Quality: Our use of top-tier materials, combined with our skilled craftsmanship, means your roof is built to last, offering unparalleled protection for your home.

In conclusion, understanding the essential roofing elements required by MidSouth codes—Drip Edge, Ice and Water Shield, and Chimney Cap—is crucial for any new roofing project. Equally important is choosing a roofing contractor like Restoration Roofing, who understands the importance of these components and is committed to delivering a roof that meets all code requirements and customer expectations.

For all your roofing needs, trust the experts at Restoration Roofing. We’re more than just a Collierville roofing company; we’re your partners in home protection. Contact us today!

Give us a call at 901-854-3402 or fill out our Contact Us form and we will reach out to you with our next available inspection. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on finding the best roofing contractor for you