LA Roofing Contractor cheat sheet

Asphalt shingles require a minimum roof slope of 2:12; slopes from 2:12 up to 4:12 require double underlayment, and slopes below 2:12 require a low-slope roof system approved for that slope.

IRC attic ventilation minimum is 1 square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic floor area; the ratio may be 1:300 when balanced intake and exhaust ventilation is provided.

Step flashing at roof-to-sidewall intersections should have at least a 4-inch vertical leg and 2-inch overlap between pieces, integrated with each shingle course.

Roof valleys may be open metal, woven, or cut; open metal valleys are preferred where heavy rain and debris are common because they channel water directly.

Asphalt shingles are commonly fastened with four nails per shingle, or six nails in high-wind areas, placed within the manufacturer's designated nail zone.

Wood structural panel roof sheathing is typically minimum 15/32 inch for rafters spaced up to 24 inches on center, with thickness governed by span rating.

Low-slope roof systems include EPDM, TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen; standing-seam metal generally requires a minimum slope of 1:4 unless the manufacturer approves a lower slope.

Ice-dam protection membrane is installed along eaves where ice dams occur and extends from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line.

IRC Chapter 9 governs roof assemblies; IRC Section R905 addresses roof covering minimum slopes, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation requirements.

ASTM D3462 specifies glass-felt asphalt shingles surfaced with mineral granules; ASTM D7158 and ASTM D3161 are common wind-resistance test standards for shingles.

UL 790 classifies roof covering fire resistance as Class A, B, or C; Class A provides the highest level of fire protection.

Roof slope on plans is written as rise:run; a 4:12 slope means 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run.

A drawing scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot means one quarter inch on the printed plan represents 12 inches in the actual building.

Roof plan symbols use ridge lines for the highest roof intersection, hip lines for downward-sloping exterior intersections, valley lines for internal intersections, and eave lines for the lower roof edge.

IRC Table R602.3(1) provides fastener schedules for wood framing and sheathing; 8d common nails are commonly used for roof sheathing with specified edge and field spacing.

Code requires flashing at roof-to-wall intersections, chimneys, skylights, valleys, and eave or rake edges where water can enter the roof assembly.

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors issues contractor licenses, including specialty roofing classifications, based on project type and statutory value thresholds.

The Louisiana Private Works Act governs mechanics' liens and privilege claims on private projects; contractors and suppliers must meet statutory notice and filing deadlines to preserve lien rights.

A change order should be written, signed, and dated, and should define the scope change, price adjustment, and schedule impact before extra work proceeds.

A certificate of insurance verifies general liability, workers' compensation, and auto coverage by listing the insured, insurer, policy limits, and expiration dates.

Retainage is a percentage withheld from progress payments until completion; release is typically tied to substantial completion, punch-list clearance, and lien waivers.

Louisiana home improvement contractor registration applies to certain residential projects within statutory dollar ranges and is separate from a specialty contractor license.

Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can create liability for payroll taxes, penalties, unpaid overtime, and workers' compensation coverage.

Contract documents should include scope, plans, specifications, schedule, payment terms, warranty, exclusions, and dispute-resolution provisions in writing.

OSHA construction fall protection is generally required when workers are exposed to falls of 6 feet or more; roof work commonly uses guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.

Extension ladders should be set at a 4:1 ratio, one foot of horizontal distance for every four feet of working height, and extend at least 3 feet above the landing.

Personal fall arrest systems require an anchorage capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per worker, a full-body harness, and a deceleration device limiting fall forces.

Standard guardrails have a top rail about 42 inches above the walking surface and a midrail at approximately 21 inches, with toe boards where falling objects are a hazard.

On low-slope roofs, a warning line is often placed at least 15 feet from the roof edge to mark a controlled access zone, but it is not by itself fall protection where guardrails or PFAS are required.

Keep ladders, scaffolding, and conductive tools at least 10 feet from energized overhead power lines; greater clearance is required for higher voltages.

Nail guns should be disconnected from the air supply before clearing jams, never pointed at people, and operated with the trigger type specified by the manufacturer.

In hot Louisiana weather, provide drinking water, scheduled rest breaks, shade, and acclimatization for new workers; confusion, cramps, and fainting are warning signs of heat illness.