New construction roofing in South Miami Heights, FL

State law requires roofing products to receive statewide approval. In the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, the permit application carries the product approval or Notice of Acceptance numbers. Miami-Dade's Product Control Section reviews and approves these products, so check that the number on your materials matches the approval on the permit.

• Roof sheathing nails must follow the ring-shank specifications in the residential code.
• Shingle roofs need one of three approved dry-in underlayment options before the roof covering goes on.
• Drip edge at the eaves and gables must be fastened at 12 inches on center, or 4 inches where wind speeds are higher.

Miami-Dade County's rules also let a builder self-perform asphalt shingles on its own new building only. Tile, metal and membrane work on a new home goes to a certified or registered roofing contractor.

The code lists the inspections in order: framing after the roof is in place, sheathing as a dry-in inspection or separately, then roofing for dry-in, insulation, roof covering and flashing, and finally the final inspection. Your roof work has to clear each step before the next one.

A permit becomes invalid if work does not start within 6 months of issuance, so schedule the roof with the framing crew rather than months later. Ask the county building office for the current inspection calendar before you set a date.