Jefferson County: Tactical Standards Debrief
After a storm hits Jefferson County, the real threat isn't just the weather—it's the horde of 'zombie' roofers that follows. Knowing the specific building and roofing codes for Jefferson County is your first line of defense. Below is a tactical debrief of the local standards compared to the 'apocalypse-proof' fortifications we provide to protect your home. Don't let a zombie on your roof.
Jefferson County: Key Intel
- Current IRC Code: 2018
- Permit Required For: Repairs over 200 sq ft
- Max Roof Layers: 1
- Mid-Roof Inspection: Yes, required at 10-25% completion
- Ice & Water Shield: Required at eaves
- Contact: 303-271-8260
Jefferson County Building Department
Phone: 303-271-8260
Email: buildingsafety@jeffco.us
Last Updated: October 2, 2025
*All terms are defined in our Glossary of Roofing Terms.
| Requirement | AHJ Standards | No Zombies Roofing Standards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codes | |||
| IRC Version | 2018 | 2024 v2.0 | The latest. |
| Link to IRC Codes | 2018 IRC | 2024 v2.0 IRC | Direct link to the international roofing code standards. |
| Link to Amended Codes | View Jefferson County's Local Amendments | n/a | Local jurisdictions often amend the IRC with specific rules for this area. |
| Permits | |||
| What's the largest sized repair I can do without pulling a permit? | 200 SF | Per AHJ, but recommend 100 SF. | 200 SF is about 135 shingles total. |
| Are there special situations where I need a permit regardless of the size of the repair? | None Called Out | When replacing shingles that go into either side of a valley. | Valleys handle a high volume of water, making proper installation critical. |
| Can I do a repair that includes replacing shingles if there are 2 or more layers present? | We don't care. | No. | Replacing damaged shingles when another layer is present is like bandaging a wound without cleaning it. Whatever's underneath will only get worse. |
| When I have to pull a permit, do I have to replace the whole roof? | We don't care. | Per AHJ, however only a limited warranty will be available if not the whole roof. | A partial replacement can't be guaranteed against issues from older sections of the roof. |
| IF THE ROOF NEEDS TO BE REPLACED | |||
| Materials Testing | |||
| Required Fire Rating | Class A if above 6400' elevation. | Class A | The highest. |
| ASTM fire test applied | ASTM E108 or UL 790 | ASTM E108 or UL 790 UL 790 | This is the standardized test for fire resistance from external sources. |
| Required Wind Speed Rating | G or H (D7158); A, D, or F (D3161); 85 MPH is fine. | H (D7158) or F (D3161) | 150 MPH steady and 194 MPH gusts; the highest. |
| ASTM wind test applied | ASTM D7158 or ASTM D3161 | ASTM D7158 or ASTM D3161 | Standardized tests that simulate high-wind conditions. |
| Required Impact Resistance Rating | We don't care. | Class 4 | Resists 2" hail; the highest. |
| ASTM hail test applied | n/a | UL 2218 | Standardized test that simulates the impact of hailstones. |
| Inspections | |||
| Do I need to supply a ladder for you to inspect the roof replacement? | Yes. | Per AHJ | Supplied by No Zombies Roofing. |
| Is a mid-roof inspection required? | Yes, when the roof is 10-25% complete. | Photo and video inspection at typical mid-point will be provided to the property owner. | A link will be emailed to you. |
| Is a sheathing inspection required? | No. | Photo and video inspection upon complete tear-off of old roof will be provided to the property owner. | A link will be emailed to you. |
| What is the largest allowable gap between planks? | Not specified. | Per AHJ, but 1/4" recommended | A nail that lands in a gap won't hold the shingle down. |
| Under the Roofing System | |||
| Underlayment | |||
| Is underlayment required? | Yes. | Yes. | This is a non-negotiable layer of secondary protection. |
| What kind of underlayment do I need? | We don't care, unless it's over 6400' elevation. | Synthetic felt and IWS. IWS | For a superior tear resistance and water protection vs standard felt paper. |
| Can I use staples to hold down the felt? | We don't care. | No. Cap nails will be used. | Staples can create leaks and tear the underlayment; cap nails provide a secure, sealed attachment. |
| Do I have to remove the old felt before I install new felt? | Yes. | Yes, completely. | To enable a deck inspection. Any compromised wood is replaced to ensure a solid foundation for the new roof system. |
| Is Ice & Water Shield required? | Yes, at the eaves. | Yes; along the fascia, eaves, valleys, vents, and all flashing points. fascia | When required by code, it is only for the eaves. |
| Does my roof need drip edge at the eaves? | Yes. | Yes. | Protects the underlying wood from rot and directs water into the gutter. |
| Does my roof need drip edge at the rakes? | Yes. | Yes. | Prevents wind-driven rain from getting under the edge of your roof. |
| What size drip edge do I need? | Must cover 1/4" below the decking and 2" onto the roof decking. | 2"x4" for rakes and 2"x6" for eaves. | Standard sizes range from 1.5"x2" to 2"x4". |
| Shingles | |||
| Can I keep the same 3-tab style shingle I had on my roof before? | We don't care. | No. | They do not meet our wind or hail resistance requirements. |
| How many nails do I have to use per shingle? | At least 4. | 6 | 6 nails is the high-wind method for installation. |
| Do I need to use a starter shingle? | We don't care. | Yes; at eaves and rakes. | The extra sealant from starter along the rakes helps to hold down the shingles in wind. |
| Flashings | |||
| Do I need to replace the flashings? | We don't care. | Yes. | Reusing old flashing is a common corner to cut for low-bid contractors. Old nail holes or bent flashing can create gaps for water intrusion. |
| Is a kick-out flashing required? | We don't care. | Yes. | This helps to keep water from getting behind your siding. |
| Attic Space | |||
| Do I need to bring the ventilation up to current code? | We don't care. | Yes. | This keeps your manufacturer warranty intact, prolongs the life of your roof, and lowers your utility bills. |
| Do I need to bring the attic insulation up to current codes? | We don't care. | Per AHJ, but recommended. | Proper insulation works with ventilation to lower utility bills and prevent ice dams. |
Is Your Stronghold Up to Code?
The zombies don't care about code. We do. The standards above are your intel, but a visual inspection is the only way to be sure of your home's defenses. Contact us for a free, no-obligation inspection in Jefferson County. It's a no-Brainer!
SECURE MY SHELTER