Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

June 26, 2003

RE: Ice protection vs re-roofing
RCNYS R905.2.7.1

This is in response to your question regarding Residential Code of New York State (RCNYS) section R905.2.7.1, which requires an ice barrier under shingles on a new roof. You state that certain code enforcement officials are requiring the ice barrier over the old roofing before the new (second) layer of roofing can be installed. You also state that the manufacturer's installation instructions for ice barrier products states that this installation will void the warranty of the roofing shingles.

RCNYS section R907.3 permits an asphalt roof to be re-roofed over the existing shingles.
RCNYS section R905.1, Roof covering application, provides that roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and the manufacturer's installation instructions. It is inappropriate to place ice barrier over asphalt shingles before re-roofing.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have questions regarding this advisory, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Cheryl A. Fischer, P.E.
Assistant Director for Code Interpretation
Codes Division
Al03-155

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526