Note: We offer this handy guide to help roofing contractors and homeowners working with insurance companies during a storm-damaged roof replacement claim. Use the checklist to help get the insurance company to pay to bring the attic ventilation up to current code standards or improved. The information is partially based on Air Vent’s interview with Kyle Pyatt, director of residential sales, Gen 3 Roofing Corporation, Centennial, Co. Pyatt has extensive experience working on residential roofing projects that are part of an insurance claim due to storm damage.
✓ Reference the insurance policy.
The “Law and Ordinance” clause in the insurance policy obligates the insurance company to pay to bring the attic ventilation up to current building code standards. Sometimes this clause is called “Building Code Upgrade.” Check the insurance policy.
✓ Reference the building code.
The International Residential building Code (IRC) specific to attic ventilation is IRC Section 806. Every 3 years an updated version is released. The code spells out the need for proper attic ventilation.
✓ Reference the shingle warranty.
The full terms of the shingle warranty are tied directly to proper, balanced attic ventilation (intake vents and exhaust vents).
✓ Reference ARMA.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association is the industry voice for shingle manufacturers. ARMA states, “Install a balanced system of intake and exhaust vents” in its technical bulletin Attic Ventilation Best Practices for Steep Slope Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems.
✓ Avoid a sub-par new roof.
An Air Vent survey of roofing pros across North America revealed 24% reduction in shingle life due to improper or zero attic ventilation. Why pay for a brand-new roof that will be sub-par if the improper attic ventilation is repeated?
✓ The Engineered Wood Association recommends proper attic ventilation.
Also known as the APA, this organization represents the manufacturers of plywood and OSB roof sheathing. The APA highlights the importance of attic ventilation in: How to Minimize the Buckling of Asphalt Shingles.
✓ Calculate the amount of attic ventilation in place.
You can quickly calculate if your attic has enough attic ventilation by using the Air Vent app or our online calculator. Insert your attic square footage; which is length x width floor of the attic or the footprint of your roof, and the calculating tools will do the math. If you are shy some vents, the time to get it fixed is when your new roof is installed.
Additional Resources:
Homeowner’s Insurance Alert: Attic Airflow is a Roof's "Insurance Policy"
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