New construction roofing in Davenport, FL

Sheathing nails on a new house must be ring shank. The residential code calls for 2 1/2 inch by 0.131 inch nails with a 0.281 inch head, or the smaller listed types where the sheathing is 15/32 inch or thinner. Ask your builder which nail the framing crew is using, because the sheathing inspection checks the fasteners.

For shingle and metal roofs the code gives your builder three ways to dry in the deck. The first is self-adhering membrane across the entire deck. The second tapes every deck joint with a strip at least 3 3/4 inches wide, then covers the roof with approved underlayment. The third is two layers of felt-type underlayment nailed 12 inches apart in the field and 6 inches at the laps.

Metal edging sits on top of the underlayment along the eaves and the gable ends. Its fasteners may be spaced 12 inches apart. Where the design wind speed is 110 mph or more, or the mean roof height is above 33 feet, the spacing tightens to 4 inches. Tile installs per the manufacturer's instructions or the FRSA/TRI Florida high wind manual, and only over solid sheathing unless tested otherwise.

Inspections run in a fixed sequence, and the roofing one comes fifth of six: after foundation, framing, sheathing and exterior wall coverings, before the final. Dry-in, insulation, coverings and flashing are checked at that stop. Shingles cannot start until the sheathing passes, so book the roof crew around that date. Davenport permits and inspections run through the City of Davenport Building & Planning Department.

Florida lets a permit lapse after 6 months without a start, or 6 months of stopped work. An approved inspection within 180 days counts as active progress. With 4,532 housing units in the city and many lots changing hands, a stalled lot can run that clock out before the roof goes on.

A general contractor building a new house may put on the asphalt or fiberglass shingles himself. Tile, metal and membrane work must go to a state-certified or registered roofer, and a general contractor cannot advertise as a roofer without that license. Under Fla. Stat. 553.791, an owner may also choose a private provider for plan review or inspections, in writing.