Florida Building Code Approval Metal Roofing

Code

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation handles professional and business regulation in the state. One of its divisions is the Florida Building Commission, which is in charge of approving metal roofing construction if it meets the requirements of the Florida Building Code, which the commission also manages. This code is based on the International Residential Code (IRC), which is managed by the International Code Council, a non-profit organization. The IRC forms the basis for building regulations in most jurisdictions of the U.S.

Shingles

• Metal shingles can duplicate the texture and color of other roofing material, and yet provide the advantages of metal. They must be applied to a solid or closely fitted roof deck, unless specifically designed for spaced sheathing. The deck requires a slope that rises a minimum of three units for every 12 units of horizontal movement -- this is normally expressed as a slope of 3:12. Underlayment, or a barrier between the shingles and the roof deck, is needed, except in detached accessory structures that have no conditioned floor areas. The underlayment must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Shingle Options

• Metal shingles can be made of aluminum; copper; lead-coated copper; coated, galvanized or prepainted steel; hard or soft lead; or tin. Specifications depend on the material. For example, aluminum shingles must be at least 0.019 inches thick, and prepainted steel needs at least 0.013 inches. The shingles must be installed according to manufacturer’s instruction, which must state the allowed uplift resistance for the attachment system. Flashing of the same metal as the roof must cover the valleys at which roof lines join. The flashing must extend at least 8 inches each way from the centerline. It must also have a splash diverter rib at least 0.75 inches high at the flow line.

Panels

• Metal panels follow the same sheathing standards as shingles. Those with standing seams need a minimum slope of 0.25:12. Those with lapped, non-soldered seams require a slope of 3:12 without lap sealant, and a slope of 0.5:12 with lap sealant. Attachments depend on the manufacturer’s instructions and the metal material. Galvanized roofs require galvanized fasteners. Copper roofs need hard copper, copper alloy or 300 series stainless steel. Aluminum-zinc coated roofs need fasteners of the same materials. And stainless steel fasteners are acceptable for all metal types.