Arizona Roofing Code Does NOT allow for rolled roofing to be applied to flat roofs

Many Arizona homes were built using rolled roofing as an acceptable roofing system on flat roofs.

It is a little known fact that Arizona roofing code does NOT allow for this. R905.5.2 states: “Deck slope  Mineral surfaced roll roofing shall NOT be applied on roof slopes below one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8-percent slope)”. In laymen’s terms: Rolled roofing does not meet code for flat decks.

Many home builders in Phoenix and other contractors used rolled roofing when building homes or remodeling because it is significantly cheaper to apply, and much cheaper to purchase. However, the proper type of roofing system for rolled roofing in Arizona is Modified Bitumen (or also known as peel and stick). Modified bitumen is a much more durable, long lasting roofing system for flat roofs.

Well meaning but misinformed insurance adjusters may also allow for rolled roofing when writing their scopes of work for an insurance claim. This common practice keeps costs down for insurance companies. However, it is illegal for AZ insurance companies to force a homeowner to apply a roofing system that is against code, EVEN IF THAT SAME SYSTEM WAS ON THE ROOF TO BEGIN WITH.

They must pay for a proper installation of Modified Bitumen to replace the old roof. Many times, the cost to do this is more than double what rolled roofing would have cost. Therefore, many insurance adjusters will attempt to slip rolled roofing into the scope of work instead of requiring the proper material.