Low. Due to significant safety hazards, specialized tools, the importance of weatherproofing integrity, and complex code compliance (e.g., ice barrier, ventilation, structural, and wind/snow load requirements), professional contractors are highly recommended.
DuPage County's climate mandates robust design for snow (30 PSF minimum ground snow load) and wind (115 mph 3-second gust wind speed) loads. Strict ice barrier requirements, proper ventilation, and flashing are critical for long-term performance and code compliance, making precise execution essential.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General & Administrative Requirements
3 Rules
Permit Requirement
IRC R105.1 & DuPage County Ordinances (A permit is required for roof replacement projects.)
Local Building Department Coordination
Your local municipality will require specific permit applications, potential submittals (if structural changes occur), and a final inspection.
Final Inspection
IRC R109.1.3 (A final inspection is required by the local building department prior to project closeout to ensure code compliance.)
Structural Integrity & Roof Decking
5 Rules
Roof Deck Condition Assessment
IRC R905.1.1 (Existing decking must be sound, free of decay, delamination, or damage. Any compromised decking must be replaced.)
Deck Sheathing Fastening (for new or replacement decking)
IRC Table R602.3(1) (Minimum 8d common nails at 6 inches on center at panel edges and 12 inches in the field for new or replacement sheathing.)
Sheathing Material (for new or replacement decking)
IRC R803.1.2 (Minimum 7/16-inch thick plywood or OSB, appropriate for rafter spacing.)
DuPage County Snow Load Considerations
IRC R301.2.3 & Local Amendments (Roof structural members must be designed for a minimum ground snow load of 30 PSF for DuPage County, unless higher specific engineering is required.)
DuPage County Wind Load Considerations
IRC R301.2.1 & Local Amendments (Wind design for 115 mph 3-second gust exposure, affecting fastener schedules and shingle adhesion for all roof coverings.)
Roof Covering Material Installation
5 Rules
Underlayment Application
IRC R905.1.1, R905.2.3 (Minimum one layer of No. 15 asphalt felt or other approved non-perforated felt underlayment is required beneath roof coverings.)
Ice Barrier Installation (DuPage County Specific)
IRC R905.1.2 (Mandatory in DuPage County: Eaves must have a minimum 24-inch wide ice barrier extending from the eave's lowest edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. Self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheets are required.)
Drip Edge
IRC R905.2.6 (A drip edge is required at eaves and rake edges.)
Fastener Requirements (e.g., Asphalt Shingles)
IRC R905.2.5 (Fasteners must be corrosion-resistant and of sufficient length to penetrate through the roofing materials and into the sheathing a minimum of 3/4 inch.)
Flashing Requirements
IRC R905.1.3 & R905.2.8 (Flashing is required at roof-to-wall intersections, chimneys, skylights, valleys, and other penetrations to ensure watertightness.)
Attic Ventilation
2 Rules
Attic Ventilation Requirements
IRC R806.1 (Minimum total net free ventilating area of 1:150 of the area of the vented space. This ratio can be 1:300 if specific conditions are met, such as balanced high/low ventilation with sufficient soffit and ridge vents.)
Obstruction of Ventilation
IRC R806.3 (Ensure that roof replacement, especially with new insulation, does not obstruct existing eave or ridge ventilation pathways.)
Electrical System Integrity
3 Rules
Service Mast & Conductor Clearances
NEC 230.24, 230.28, 230.54 (Maintain required clearances from the roof surface, windows, and other parts of the building. Ensure mast support is not compromised during roof work and properly re-secured.)
Conduit and Wiring Protection
NEC 300.4 (Protect any electrical conduits or cables routed across the roof from physical damage during roof removal and installation.)
Antenna/Satellite Dish Re-installation
NEC Article 810 (Ensure proper grounding and secure mounting of re-installed or moved antennas/dishes, maintaining original grounding electrode conductor connections.)
Plumbing System Integrity
2 Rules
Vent Pipe Flashings
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.200, 890.1540 (Ensure proper re-sealing and integrity of all plumbing vent stack penetrations through the roof. Flashings must be watertight, durable, and installed per manufacturer's specifications.)
Vent Pipe Extension Height
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1540 (Vent pipes must extend a minimum of 6 inches above the roof, or 12 inches above any part of the building within 10 feet horizontally, to prevent snow blockage or odor issues.)
Top Rated Roofing Pros in Lake County
Mateos Roofing Inc.
