UPDATED FOR 2026
Does Your Roofing Contractor Actually Know the Local Building Codes?
Welcome to County Roofing’s “Roofing Industry Bad Practices Uncovered”, a series designed to shine a light on bad practices within the roofing industry.
This series is designed to empower consumers by increasing awareness of unlawful or wrongful practices we’ve seen throughout our 35 years serving Long Island and the greater New York area with roofing services based on integrity and trust.
Key Takeaways:
- Permits aren’t optional. Full roof replacements require a building permit in virtually every Long Island municipality — and if your contractor skips it, you’re the one facing fines and penalties.
- Unpermitted work can kill a home sale. Buyer attorneys flag non-compliant roofing during due diligence, leading to costly retroactive permits or price reductions at closing.
- Insurance and warranties require code compliance. Insurers can deny storm damage claims on unpermitted roofs, and manufacturer warranties from CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning can be voided by non-compliant installation.
- New York codes cover more than most contractors realize. Material standards, wind resistance, ventilation ratios, ice barriers, and flashing specs are all codified — and each municipality can add requirements on top.
- Verifying code knowledge takes five minutes. Ask your contractor which building department has jurisdiction, whether they’ll pull permits, and what inspections are required. If they can’t answer, walk away.
- County Roofing Systems handles permits and compliance on every project — no exceptions. Nearly four decades serving Long Island, Westchester, and the five boroughs means we know every local building department and code requirement in our service area.
Most homeowners assume their roofing contractor handles permits.
They assume the crew knows local codes. They assume the materials meet wind resistance requirements and the ventilation setup is up to standard.
That’s a lot of assuming.
And here’s the problem: a surprising number of contractors don’t pull permits, don’t know the specific requirements in your county, and don’t follow the installation standards that your local building department requires.
It’s not always a scam. Sometimes it’s plain negligence — a contractor who’s been doing things “their way” for years without bothering to check whether their way actually meets code in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or whichever municipality you’re in.
Either way, the consequences land on you.
Below, we’ll break down what Long Island and New York homeowners need to know about roofing building codes, why permits matter more than most people realize, and how to make sure the contractor you hire actually knows (and follows) the rules.
Why Building Codes Exist for Roofing Projects
Building codes aren’t bureaucratic red tape.
They exist because roofs fail. And when they fail, people get hurt, homes get damaged, and insurance companies deny claims.
New York State follows the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which incorporates the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). Chapter 9 of the residential code covers roof assemblies specifically — everything from material standards to ice barrier requirements to ventilation minimums.
But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: it’s not just one set of rules.
Nassau County, Suffolk County, the five NYC boroughs, and Westchester County each have their own building departments that enforce these codes. Some municipalities layer additional requirements on top of the state code. Wind load calculations differ by zone. Ventilation requirements can vary based on your attic configuration and climate exposure.
A contractor who does great work in one county might not know the specific requirements in yours. And “I didn’t know” isn’t a defense when the building inspector shows up.
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The Permit Problem: Why So Many Contractors Skip This Step
Let’s be direct about something.
Pulling a permit takes time. It costs money. It invites inspections. And inspections mean someone is checking the contractor’s work against an objective standard.
For contractors cutting corners, that’s the last thing they want.
When New York Requires a Roofing Permit
In most Long Island municipalities, you need a permit for:
- New roof installations
- Full roof replacements (tear-off and re-roof)
- Structural changes to the roof (adding dormers, skylights, or modifying the roof deck)
- Changing roofing material types (going from shingles to metal, for example)
Minor repairs — replacing a handful of shingles, sealing a small leak, cleaning gutters — generally don’t require permits.
But a full re-roof? That requires a permit in virtually every Long Island township.
What Happens When Contractors Skip Permits
Here’s where it gets expensive for homeowners.
Fines and penalties
If a building inspector discovers unpermitted work, the homeowner — not the contractor — is typically responsible. In Long Island municipalities, this can mean fines plus a requirement to obtain an after-the-fact permit, which often costs more than the original permit would have.
Failed home sales
When you sell your home, the buyer’s attorney and inspector will flag unpermitted work. You’ll either need to retroactively permit and potentially redo the work to current code, or negotiate a significant price reduction. We’ve seen this delay or kill sales entirely.
Voided insurance claims
If your roof sustains storm damage and your insurance company discovers the installation was unpermitted or not up to code, they have grounds to deny the claim. That’s a scenario no homeowner wants to face after a nor’easter.
Voided manufacturer warranties
Premium shingle warranties from CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning require proper installation per manufacturer specifications — which align with building codes. Unpermitted work that doesn’t meet code can void the very warranties you’re paying a premium for.
The Specific Codes Your Contractor Should Know
This is where the “negligent” contractors really fall short. They might be decent roofers in terms of physical labor. But they don’t know — or don’t care about — the details that keep your home safe and compliant.
Material Standards
New York’s building code specifies which roofing materials are approved based on fire resistance, wind performance, and durability. Materials must carry specific ratings and testing certifications.
For asphalt shingles — the most common roofing material on Long Island — the code requires compliance with ASTM D7158 for wind resistance testing. Shingle packaging must carry a label showing the wind classification rating.
That matters because not all shingles are created equal. A contractor using cheap, uncertified shingles might save a few hundred dollars on materials. But those shingles may not meet the wind resistance classification required for your specific zone — and if they blow off in a storm, you’re left with an uncovered claim.
Installation Requirements
Having the right materials is only half the equation. The code specifies how those materials must be installed.
Fastening patterns, underlayment installation, flashing around chimneys and dormers, valley lining methods, drip edge specifications — all of this is detailed in the code. Manufacturers also publish their own installation requirements, and deviating from those instructions can void warranties even if the materials themselves are compliant.
One of the most common code violations we see on Long Island? Improper flashing. The code requires specific corrosion-resistant metals at minimum thicknesses, installed according to manufacturer instructions. Cheap or improperly installed flashing is the number one cause of roof leaks — and it’s often the first thing a building inspector checks.
Ventilation Requirements
This one catches a lot of contractors off guard.
New York State code requires balanced attic ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, ice dams, and premature shingle deterioration. The code specifies minimum ratios of ventilation area to attic floor space, and it matters whether you have a vapor barrier, what your attic insulation situation looks like, and how your soffit and ridge vents are configured.
Improper ventilation doesn’t just violate code. It actively destroys your roof from the inside. Trapped moisture leads to mold growth, rotted decking, and ice dams that can cause catastrophic leaks during Long Island winters. We’ve seen roofs that looked fine from the outside but were failing from within because the original contractor ignored ventilation requirements.
Wind Resistance Standards
Long Island’s coastal location means specific wind load requirements that differ from inland areas.
The building code classifies areas by wind speed zones and specifies which materials and installation methods are required for each zone. Coastal Suffolk County properties face stricter wind resistance requirements than properties further inland.
Shingles must meet the appropriate wind classification for your zone. Fastening patterns change based on wind exposure — more nails per shingle, specific placement patterns, enhanced sealant strips. The code is explicit about this.
A contractor unfamiliar with your area’s wind zone requirements might install a roof that looks great on a calm day but fails when the first serious storm hits.
Ice Barrier Requirements
Long Island falls within the ice dam designation under New York code. That means ice and water shield membrane is required along eave edges, extending at least 24 inches past the exterior wall line.
This isn’t optional. It’s code.
Yet we regularly see roofs where contractors either skipped the ice barrier entirely or didn’t extend it far enough. During heavy winters, this leads to ice dam formation, water backup under shingles, and interior water damage — all preventable with proper code-compliant installation.
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We have over 35 years of experience living up to CertainTeed’s tough standards. That means CertainTeed trusts our home improvement work enough to stand behind it with their best guarantees.
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How to Know If Your Contractor Actually Follows Code
Talk is cheap. Here’s how to verify.
Ask About Permits Before Signing Anything
A legitimate contractor will tell you upfront that they handle permits. They’ll know the fee structure, the inspection schedule, and the specific requirements for your municipality.
Ask these questions directly:
- “Will you be pulling a permit for this project?”
- “Which building department has jurisdiction over my property?”
- “What inspections are required, and when do they happen?”
If the contractor hesitates, deflects, or says permits aren’t necessary for a full re-roof — that’s your answer. Walk away.
Verify They Know Your Local Building Department
This sounds basic, but it matters. Nassau County homeowners should hear their contractor reference the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs. Suffolk County homeowners should hear references to the specific town building department (Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, etc., each have their own).
NYC projects go through the Department of Buildings. Westchester County has its own code enforcement offices.
If your contractor can’t name the specific department that has jurisdiction over your property, they haven’t pulled permits there before. That tells you everything.
Look for Manufacturer Certifications
Contractors with elite manufacturer certifications — like GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster — have undergone training that includes code-compliant installation techniques. These certifications require ongoing education and adherence to manufacturer specifications that align with or exceed building codes.
Only about 2% of roofing contractors nationwide hold these top-tier certifications. It’s not a guarantee by itself, but it’s a strong signal that the contractor takes proper installation seriously.
Check Their Track Record with Inspections
Ask the contractor about their inspection pass rate. A reputable contractor should be able to tell you — confidently — that their work passes inspection consistently. If they can’t answer that question, or if they’ve had repeated inspection failures, that’s a red flag.
What County Roofing Systems Does Differently
County Roofing Systems handles permits, inspections, and code compliance on every project — no exceptions.
Keith Schmied, our CEO, has been working on roofs throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester, and the five boroughs for nearly four decades. He knows the building departments, the inspectors, the specific code requirements for every municipality in our service area.
We hold the top certifications from all three major manufacturers: GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster. Those certifications require us to follow manufacturer specifications and building codes precisely. Our work is backed by a 50-year material warranty and a 25-year labor guarantee — protections that depend on code-compliant installation.
Every County Roofing project includes:
- Proper permits pulled before work begins
- Materials that meet or exceed code requirements for your specific zone
- Installation per manufacturer specifications and local building code
- Proper ventilation assessment and correction
- Code-compliant flashing, ice barriers, and fastening patterns
- Scheduled inspections with your local building department
We don’t cut corners on compliance because cutting corners costs homeowners money down the road. And after 35+ years, our reputation depends on doing things right.
Have questions about your roofing project? Call (631) 400-7663 — that’s (631) 400-ROOF — for a free estimate and consultation. We’ll walk you through the permits, codes, and installation standards that apply to your specific property.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof on Long Island?
In most cases, yes. Full roof replacements — where the old roofing is torn off and new materials are installed — require a building permit in virtually every Long Island municipality. The permit ensures the work meets current building codes for materials, installation, ventilation, and wind resistance. Minor repairs like replacing a few shingles typically don’t require permits, but anything beyond basic maintenance usually does.
Who is responsible if my contractor doesn't pull a permit?
The homeowner. While the contractor may face separate penalties for unlicensed or unpermitted work, the property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring work on their property is properly permitted. If code violations are discovered, the homeowner may need to pay for retroactive permits, have work re-inspected, or even have non-compliant work removed and redone at their own expense.
How much does a roofing permit cost on Long Island?
Permit fees vary by municipality but generally range from $45 to $150 for residential roofing permits. Some towns also charge valuation-based fees calculated from the project cost or square footage. The permit cost is a small fraction of the total project — and the protections it provides (warranty compliance, insurance coverage, legal standing for home sales) far outweigh the expense.
Can unpermitted roofing work affect my home insurance?
Yes. If your roof sustains damage and your insurance company discovers the installation was unpermitted or didn’t meet building codes, they may deny the claim. Insurance policies typically require that property improvements comply with local building codes. Unpermitted work creates a gap in that compliance chain that insurers can use to limit or reject coverage.
How do I know if my current roof was installed to code?
The most reliable way is to have a professional inspection. A qualified roofing contractor can assess whether your roof meets current code requirements for materials, installation methods, ventilation, and weather protection. If your roof was installed without a permit, there may be no official record of inspection — which is itself a red flag worth investigating before problems arise.
