Is there a code for the number of roof systems or layers on a flat roof?

 We had some core samples taken from our flat roof and it determined that there have been three roofing systems applied through the years over top of the metal reinforced wooden deck: the first was a three ply, hot tar system, followed by a torch applied granular system, and then a smooth torch applied system. There are numerous leaks and we know we will need to do either a full rip or add another layer. We have gotten conflicting advice from roofing contractors, but I would like to know first of all if, If there is any code that restricts the weight of the roof or the number of systems, so I would know if adding another layer was even an option. Any help would be appreciatted. Thanks.

ylodog

in Building Code 13 years and 3 months ago

2

Please log in, in order to post replies!

2 replies

Newest Oldest

JohnGromkoski | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4885 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4862 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "104578"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "JohnGromkoski"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BiBJp9GDbJfzz3LIO0vdi7ckV9/eG6/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(16) "john-gromkoski-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(28) "john@preciseinspector-ny.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(58) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/preciseinspector/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-17 21:48:52"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "John Gromkoski"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(104578)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

NY no longer permits more than two layers of roof covering to be installed.  The main concerns are weight on the structure which may not be designed to support the load.  If there are already 3 layers installed you should remove all the layers prior to installing a new roof.  This will also give you an opportunity to inspect the structure below, correct any water drainage issues, install insulation, replace flashings, pitch pockets, etc.

rodriguezstudio | 13 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4884 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4883 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "43316"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "rodriguezstudio"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BYrCgHC3Dzm0IB5TxC4zTVAvs8i.dK."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "rodriguezstudio"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "info@rodriguezstudio.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(57) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/rodriguezstudio/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-01-21 22:24:49"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "rodriguezstudio"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(43316)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I wouldn’t say that it iis acode issue per se, more of a physics issue. Can the structure hold more weight?  That point is moot, however, it is generally not advisable to put waterproofing over waterproofing. the best way to get impermeability is to go down too the substrate and start over.