Regional Building Codes
Regional Building Codes | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Riceville
When Riceville’s sky turns dark and the wind starts to howl, HEP is already preparing to protect what matters most—your roof. Our crews live and work right here in McMinn County, so we know every nuance of the regional building codes and the unique challenges they pose. From the first shingle to the final inspection, we combine decades-strong craftsmanship with up-to-the-minute code compliance, ensuring your home meets or exceeds all local standards after a storm rolls through.
Our storm damage restoration service begins with a free, no-pressure inspection, followed by a clear, itemized plan that satisfies both insurance adjusters and Riceville’s permitting office. Whether you’re dealing with missing shingles, punctures, or hidden moisture problems, our Haag-certified inspectors pinpoint the damage, and our roofing specialists rebuild with premium materials rated for Tennessee’s toughest weather. Once HEP is on your roof, you can relax knowing that every nail, vent, and flashing is installed to stand strong against the next big storm—and every box on the code checklist.
FAQs
Do I need a building permit to replace or repair my storm-damaged roof in Riceville?
Yes. McMinn County, which has jurisdiction over Riceville, requires a residential building (re-roof) permit for any repair or replacement that involves more than 10 percent of the roof surface or that exposes the decking. You can apply in person at the McMinn County Building Inspection Department (5 S. Hill St., Athens, TN) or download the form online and email it in. Typical turnaround is 1-2 business days once all documents—scope of work, contractor license, job cost, and proof of insurance—are submitted, and fees start around $45 for a standard single-family roof.
What wind- and impact-resistance standards does the local code impose on new roofing materials?
Riceville follows the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments. Shingle, metal, or tile products must carry a manufacturers rating of at least 115 mph Ultimate Design Wind Speed (approx. 90 mph nominal/3-second gust) for Exposure B terrain. Products that cannot meet the rating must be installed per an engineers sealed fastening schedule. Because of frequent hail, McMinn County also recommends (though does not yet mandate) Class 4 impact-resistant shingles for insurance compliance—many carriers give rate discounts when Class 4 materials are used.
How soon after the storm should I start repairs to stay code-compliant?
Code enforcement does not set a strict start date, but your insurance policy and the Tennessee Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act require you to mitigate further damage right away. Temporary tarping or shrink-wrapping is acceptable for up to 90 days. A building permit must be pulled and substantive repairs started within 180 days of the permit issue date or the permit expires. If the roof remains open to weather longer than 48 hours you could be cited for a nuisance violation under county ordinance.
Are inspections required, and if so, when do they occur?
Yes. The county building inspector performs (1) a dry-in or underlayment inspection after felt/synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield, and drip edge are installed but before final covering; and (2) a final inspection once all shingles, flashing, vents, and gutters are installed. You or your contractor schedule each inspection at least 24 hours in advance by calling (423) 745-3033. Missed or failed inspections can delay closing out the permit and may trigger re-inspection fees.
If Im only fixing one slope of my roof, do I have to bring the entire roof up to current code?
No—local amendment R908.1 mirrors the IRC: only the portion being replaced must meet current code for materials, ventilation, and flashing. However, if you replace more than 50 percent of the total roof area within any 12-month period, the entire roofing system must be brought into full compliance, including upgraded ventilation (1 sq ft of net free vent area per 150 sq ft of attic floor unless balanced intake/exhaust is provided).
What are the local ice-barrier and underlayment rules I need to know for storm restoration work?
Because Riceville occasionally experiences freeze-thaw cycles, section R905.1.2 of the adopted IRC requires an ice-barrier membrane (peel-and-stick) starting at the eave edge and extending at least 24 inches inside the warm side of the exterior wall for roof slopes 2:12 up to 4:12. All roofs must have either two layers of ASTM D226 Type II #30 felt or an approved synthetic underlayment with an ICC-ES evaluation report. Drip edge is mandatory on both eaves and rakes, and seams in synthetic underlayment must be lapped a minimum of 4 inches and fastened per the manufacturers instructions.