Inspectors who are by-the-book may be offering one-size-fits-all rules that may not be the best solution for your home and code can change.
Here’s an example of how code changes.
After the winds in Altadena blew and gusted close to 100 mph on Monday Jan. and into the firestorm of Jan. 7, I went up on my roof on Wednesday morning the 8th and noticed a line of shingles had blown off along with a portion of underlayment.
A 6-inch length gap was open to the attic and it was about a quarter-inch wide. Our neighbor’s house two doors down had burned completely and the next door neighbor lost their garage.
Embers could have drifted through the gap and landed in the attic.
I was shocked. My roof was installed in 2003 and I wondered if I was looking at slats and didn’t have a plywood decking.
But Thomas Garvey, owner of Garvey Roofing in Monrovia, told me background that helped me understand the situation.
Gaps in plywood then vs today
A gap in plywood was once acceptable because it was believed it would help ventilate the attic and let hot air flow up and out. But with ridge caps, attic fans, and low profile vents there are much better ways to vent an attic.
An example of code needing interpreting is laying down the plywood decking on a roof, and it’s normally an effective firebreak.
“Code says there should be a gap wide enough for a nickel to drop through, but that reduces the effectiveness of plywood as a firebreak.”
He says his knowledge of building science gives him a purpose for doing what he does and he’ll talk over issues with inspectors.
“You need to have someone who has brains who puts your roof structure together. Contractors realized that putting plywood edges against each other was best and inspectors eventually went along with us.”
Contractors like him know how to talk to inspectors and know how to interpret codes in the best way for a homeowner or commercial building owner.
He says code is often generalized for a general area, but all roofs and homes are ultimately custom built and there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach for every structure.
The job of a contractor is to interpret the code and understand the principles.
“We know what we’re supposed to do and when we’re supposed to do it. Our quandary is to help the inspector see our perspective. Gone are the days when inspectors used to be contractors,” says Thomas. He adds that inspectors don’t understand the principles.
Rebuilding after disaster
“I was one of the contractors who helped rebuild Northridge after the [1994] earthquake and I apply my firsthand knowledge to everything I do,” he says.
Thomas has operated Garvey Roofing for over 30 years and has worked in Altadena and throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
His company has four licenses including fireproofing and he has simple advice for homeowners who may have to evacuate in the future.
“Use duct tape to tape over the vents on your roof. You’ll increase your home’s chance of survival by maybe 50% if you air seal your home.”
The majority of homes burn because wind is driving embers. Air sealing openings to the attic like regular dormer vents will cause the embers to bounce off in most cases.
Inside, shut all doors and all windows tight.
He also says insulation is important but in the case of fire, it will work against you. “The cooler environment inside draws in the outside heat.”
Rainwater harvesting can also be used as a cistern for dousing flames.
“Get a battery-operated pump to pump water from pools,” says Thomas.
Install newer windows because they’re energy efficient and act as an air barrier from wind driven heat inside a home or other structure.
Contact Garvey Roofing
For free roofing estimates, call 626-358-9208.
Garvey Roofing has a peace-of-mind guarantee: all labor and materials are fully guaranteed and as Thomas says, “When it rains and when the winds blow, my phone doesn’t ring.”