search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube instagram Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • TOPICS
    • Cool Roofing
    • Event News
    • Latinos in Roofing
    • Low Slope
    • Legal
    • Metal
    • Project Profiles
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Roofing Safety
    • Steep Slope
    • Sustainable Roofing
    • Technology
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Best of Success
    • Contractor Profile
    • IRE Show
    • Roofing Contractor of the Year
    • Top 100
    • Young Guns
    • State of the Industry
    • Century Club
  • MULTIMEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Interactive Spotlights
    • Roofing Quizzes
    • IRE Videos
    • Webinars
    • Photo Galleries
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products
    • Featured Products
  • COLUMNS
    • Editor's Note
    • Exit Planning
    • Legally Speaking
    • Safety Advice
    • Technical Details
    • Guest Column
  • EVENTS
    • International Roofing Expo
    • Webinars
    • Best of Success Conference
    • Industry Events
  • DIRECTORY
    • Associations
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturer/Supplier
    • Business Services
    • Get Listed
  • MORE
    • Roofing Contractor eNews
    • RC Store
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Company Spotlights
    • Classifieds
      • Auctions
      • Business For Sale
      • Business Opportunities
      • Equipment For Sale
      • Positions Available
      • Products
      • Safety
      • Software
      • Services
      • Training
    • Contact Us
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Advertise
      • Media Kit
      • Editorial Calendar
      • Contact
    • Archive Issues
  • SIGN UP!
ColumnsTechnical Details

Technical Details: IBC Codes Pertaining to Asphalt Shingles

By BNP Media Staff
May 6, 2008
Section 1507.2 of the International Building Code (IBC) covers the requirements for the application of asphalt shingle roof coverings. The section states that asphalt roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the standards set in this section and the manufacturer’s installation requirements. The following text provides a brief interpretation of these codes.



Section 1507.2 of the International Building Code (IBC) covers the requirements for the application of asphalt shingle roof coverings. The section states that asphalt roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the standards set in this section and the manufacturer’s installation requirements. The following text provides a brief interpretation of these codes.

The Deck

1507.2.1 Deck requirements. Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed decks.

Code interpretation: This section implies that shingles shall be applied over a solid, continuous deck material. Typical deck construction consists of Wolmanized structural plywood or CDX. The thickness of the deck shall be 7/16 of an inch to 5/8 of an inch thick and fastened using 8d common nails, 10d box or power-driven nails. The IBC code further states in Section 1609.5.1 Roof deck, that the deck must be designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 7.

The fastening rate of deck to trusses of 16 inches on center (o.c.) or less is one fastener every 6 inches o.c. The fastening rate of deck to trusses of 24 inches o.c. or less is one fastener every 4 inches o.c.

Slope

1507.2.2 Slope. Asphalt shingles shall only be used on roof slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent slope) or greater. For roof slopes from two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent slope) up to four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33 percent slope), double underlayment application is required in accordance with Section 1507.2.8.

Code interpretation: This section implies that asphalt shingles shall only be applied on roof slopes of 2:12 or more. Roof application on slopes of 2:12 to 4:12 shall have two layers of underlayment applied in accordance with Section 1507.2.8, which states: “Apply a minimum 19-inch-wide (483 mm) strip of underlayment felt parallel with and starting at the eaves fastened sufficiently to hold in place. Distortions in the underlayment shall not interfere with the ability of the shingles to seal.”

Underlayment securement to the deck shall be completed in accordance with ASCE 7.

Underlayments

1507.2.3 Underlayment. Unless otherwise noted, required underlayment shall conform to ASTM D 226, Type I, ASTM D 4869, Type I, or ASTM D 6757.

1507.2.4 Self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet. Self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet shall comply with ASTM D 1970.

Code interpretation: These sections imply that underlayment used for asphalt shingle applications shall be manufactured of fiberglass felt, organic felt, modified bitumen or self-adhering modified bitumen. The underlayment shall be applied in one layer for slopes of 4:12 or more and in accordance with Section 1507.2.8 Underlayment application, which states: “Underlayment shall be applied in shingle fashion, parallel and starting from the eave and lapped 2 inches (51 mm), fastened sufficiently to hold in place. Distortions in the underlayment shall not interfere with the ability of the shingles to seal.”

Underlayment securement to the deck shall be completed in accordance with ASCE 7. Application of underlayment in high-velocity wind regions shall comply with Section 1507.2.8.1 High wind attachment, which states that corrosion-resistant fasteners must be used and fastened at the overlap at a maximum of 36 inches (914 mm) on center.

The underlayment is required to protect the structure and its interior contents from moisture damage in the case of shingle displacement or damage. The most common types of underlayment are 15-pound or 30-pound fiberglass felt. The nails are capped head or metal disk with roofing nails.

Detail courtesy of Alvaro Mejia, IRT-Paragon Inc.

Asphalt Shingles

1507.2.5 Asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles shall have self-seal strips or be interlocking and comply with ASTM D 225 or ASTM D 3462. Asphalt shingle packaging shall bear labeling indicating compliance with ASTM D 3161 or a listing by an approved testing agency in accordance with the requirements of Section 1609.5.2.

Code interpretation: This section implies that asphalt shingles must be manufactured with self-sealing asphalt strips for additional securement. The shingles must be tested by an approved ISO-certified testing agency and comply with the physical property and wind-uplift requirements. Resistant of the asphalt shingle sealant shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 6381. The wind-uplift resistance of the asphalt shingles shall be tested in accordance with UL 2390. Section 1504.1 Wind resistance of roofs states that for roofs located in high-velocity wind zones (110 mph or greater) the asphalt shingles must be tested in accordance with ASTM D 3161, Class F.

ANSI/UL 2390 Test Method for the Wind Resistance of Asphalt Shingles with Self Seal Tabs was developed through the assistance of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). ARMA spent nearly 15 years conducting research and testing to help develop the code. The advantage of the code is that it now provides a standard for design and application of shingles in high-velocity wind regions.

Fasteners

1507.2.6 Fasteners. Fasteners for asphalt shingles shall be galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing nails, minimum 12 gage [0.105 inch (2.67 mm)] shank with a minimum 0.375 inch-diameter (9.5 mm) head, of a length to penetrate through the roofing materials and a minimum of 0.75 inch (19.1 mm) thick, the nails shall penetrate through the sheathing. Fasteners shall comply with ASTM F 1667.

Code interpretation: This section gives the parameters for the specific types of fasteners that are requirements for the attachment of asphalt shingles to the deck. The code provides the types of fasteners, the size of the fasteners and minimum penetration requirements.

Attachment

1507.2.7 Attachment. Asphalt shingles shall have the minimum number of fasteners required by the manufacturer and Section 1504.1. Asphalt shingles shall be secured to the roof with not less than four fasteners per strip shingle or two fasteners per individual shingle. Where the roof exceeds 20 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (166 percent slope), asphalt shingles shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s printed installation instructions for steep-slope roof applications.

Code interpretation: This section implies that asphalt shingles shall be secured with a minimum of four fasteners per shingle in temperate wind zones with slopes less than 166 percent. In high-velocity wind zones, six fasteners per shingle are required. For slopes in excess of 166 percent, the shingle manufacturer must be consulted for the number of fasteners required per shingle.

The fasteners should be 11/4-inch No. 12 wire gage shank nails with 3/8-inch diameter heads. The placement of fasteners on three-tab shingles should be below the self-sealing asphalt line. On dimensional shingles, fastening should be within the nailing zone. Further attachment is required in high-velocity wind zones with three 1-inch diameter dabs of asphalt cement at each shingle and two dabs at rakes, hips and ridges.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Roofing Contractor Group Publisher Jill Bloom

    Physics, the Power of Authenticity and You

    In February's Publisher's Note, Jill Bloom describes a...
    Columns
    By: Jill Bloom
  • The Family Food Fare supermarket in Midland, Mich.

    ‘Rooftop Ninja’ Discovered Living on Roof, Inside Grocery Sign

    A bizarre tale out of Midland, Mich.: a woman dubbed the...
    Roofing News
    By: Bryan Gottlieb
  • A before and after heat measurement comparison

    How Hot is Too Hot in the Attic?

    If the ventilation is working, how hot should the attic...
    Columns
    By: Paul Scelsi
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Sign Up for the eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Roofing Contractor audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Roofing Contractor or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • An overhead view of a residential block
    Sponsored byCBIZ CompuData

    From Spreadsheets to Strategy: How Roofing Companies Can Transform Financial Operations

  • Snow Guard Solutions for Metal Roofs by S-5!
    Sponsored byS-5!

    Safeguard Your Building: How Snow Guards Prevent Costly Roof & Property Damage

  • A hand holding a wooden block that reads 'EVOLVE'
    Sponsored byWatercress Financial

    Embracing Change: A New Era for the Roofing Industry

Popular Stories

Agentes de ICE arrestaron a casi una docena de empleados de una empresa de techos en Lowell, Massachusetts. Los arrestos son parte de una redada federal más amplia contra la contratación no autorizada y las violaciones migratorias en Boston.

ICE Redondea a Equipo de Techos Afuera de Boston

QXO CEO Brad Jacobs will share the company’s strategic vision today at the Wolfe Research Global Transportation & Industrials Conference in New York following its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply..

QXO’s Brad Jacobs Charts Growth at Wolfe Research Conference

Florida has become the focal point for construction-site raids, attracting national attention and altering labor dynamics throughout the industry.

Florida Emerges as the Epicenter of ICE Raids

Roofing Contractor Webinar

Events

December 3, 2025

The Premier Roofing Conference: Best of Success

Join roofing professionals from across the nation at the 2025 Best of Success conference, the ultimate destination for roofing professionals seeking the latest industry insights and networking opportunities. Pick up strategies for critical challenges like workforce shortage with innovative solutions, explore the latest advancements in roofing technology and sustainable practices, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders on navigating the evolving roofing landscape.

View All Submit An Event

Related Articles

  • Technical Details: Recent Changes to Building Codes Relating to Roofing

    See More
  • Technical Details: Toys in the Attic: The IBC Ventilation Code

    See More
  • Technical Details: Perimeter Metal Codes

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Green_roof_Systems.gif

    Green Roof Systems: A Guide to the Planning, Design and Construction of Building Over Structure

See More Products
×

Be in the forefront of the roofing industry!

Join thousands of professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing