New construction roofing in Zephyrhills, FL

Roof sheathing on a new home must be nailed with ring shank nails, and the code names a 2 1/2 inch by 0.131 inch size. Before shingles, metal or similar coverings go on, the dry-in must follow one of three code options. The first is a full-deck layer of self-adhering membrane. The second is tape over every deck joint plus underlayment over the top. The third is two layers of felt underlayment, fastened 12 inches apart in the field and 6 inches apart at laps.

Drip edge goes over the underlayment at eaves and gables, fastened at no more than 12 inches on center, or 4 inches where the design wind speed or roof height calls for it. Roofing is also a mandatory statewide product approval category. Ask your roofer for the Florida product approval number of each roofing product, and check it in the Florida Building Commission lookup.

Gutters are required on a new home when eaves project less than 6 inches, except at gable end rakes. The code wants each downspout to empty at least a foot away from the sidewall. Mobile homes make up 27 percent of Zephyrhills housing, so many newer lots here are not site-built, and a site-built roof follows this assembly.

The code lists inspections in order: foundation, framing, sheathing, exterior wall coverings, roofing, then final. The sheathing inspection can be a dry-in inspection or a separate visit, and the roofing inspection covers dry-in, insulation, coverings and flashing. Book the roof after framing and sheathing pass, not before.

Who may install depends on the roof type. A builder may put on asphalt or fiberglass shingles itself only on its own new building. Anything else needs a roofing contractor holding the state certificate or registration. A general contractor may not advertise as a roofer without that license. For a Zephyrhills lot, the permit comes through the city's Building/Code Enforcement Department.

Record the Notice of Commencement and post it on the job site before your first inspection, or you risk paying twice for the work. Permits also run on clocks. A permit goes invalid if work does not start within 6 months of issue or stops for 6 months.