Public code guide · free · updated 2026
How a re-roof should be done in California
Every code section, install step, and above-code detail Cutting Edge follows on 7 common roof types. Written for homeowners who want to grade their quote before signing.
Most common Sac residential
Asphalt Shingle (Architectural)
A · CA CODE
Applicable CA code
- • CRC Chapter 9 · Roof Covering (residential)
- • CRC R905 — asphalt shingle install requirements
- • Title 24 Part 6 — Cool Roof requirements when re-roofing >50% of roof
- • CalGreen — 65% construction waste diversion; recycled content encouraged
- • Chapter 7A · WUI zones — Class A assembly required in foothills
B · FIRE RATING
Fire rating
- • Class A · B · C — Class A required in WUI zones (much of Placer + El Dorado foothills)
- • Standard architectural shingle achieves Class A when installed over Class A rated underlayment (e.g. GAF DeckArmor + FireProof underlayment).
- • Class B → Class A upgrade path: swap 15# felt for Class-A rated synthetic + add cap sheet at eaves.
C · SLOPE
Slope (min/max)
- • Minimum: 2/12 pitch — requires DOUBLE underlayment coverage
- • Standard: 4/12+ pitch — single layer underlayment OK
- • Manufacturer warranty typically requires 4/12 min for standard warranty coverage
D · UNDERLAYMENT
Underlayment
- • 15# felt = minimum · 30# felt = common upgrade · synthetic (GAF DeckArmor / Owens FeltBuster) = Cutting Edge standard
- • Horizontal overlap: 2" (over 4/12) · 19" (2-4/12 low slope)
- • Vertical overlap: 4" min
- • Ice + water shield at eaves: not required in most of Sacramento (no ice dams), but Cutting Edge installs 3' minimum + all valleys as standard practice
E · FASTENERS
Fasteners
- • Hot-dipped galvanized OR SS 11-12 gauge roofing nails (never electro-galvanized)
- • 4 nails/shingle standard · 6 nails/shingle in high-wind zones (rare in Sac)
- • Nail penetration: min ¾" into deck OR full penetration through decking on ⅜" or thinner sheathing
- • Nails placed in the manufacturer nailing zone (usually just below the sealant strip)
F · VENTILATION
Ventilation
- • 1/300 rule: 1 sqft NFVA per 300 sqft attic floor with 50/50 low/high split
- • Ridge vent + soffit vent = balanced system (best warranty compliance)
- • Baffles required at eaves whenever attic insulation is present
- • Insufficient ventilation VOIDS manufacturer shingle warranty
G · FLASHING
Flashing details
- • Chimney: step flashing (4x5 galv) + counter flashing embedded in mortar joint · saddle/cricket required if chimney >30" wide upslope
- • Skylight: manufacturer-specific flashing kit (Velux VS, VCM, etc.)
- • Wall abutment: step flashing (min 4"x5") + kick-out flashing at bottom
- • Valley: open (metal exposed) · closed-cut · woven · CE standard = ice/water shield + open W-valley
- • Pipe boots: elastomeric OR lead OR metal · sized to pipe OD
H · INSTALL STEPS
Install sequence (14 steps)
- • 1. Permit filing + posting
- • 2. Yard/landscape protection
- • 3. Complete tear-off to sheathing
- • 4. Sheathing inspection · replace rotten decking
- • 5. Underlayment install (starter row · full field)
- • 6. Ice/water shield at eaves + valleys
- • 7. Drip edge (eaves first · rakes over)
- • 8. Starter shingle course
- • 9. Field shingle install (staggered per manufacturer)
- • 10. Ridge cap install
- • 11. Flashing (step · continuous · chimney/skylight kits)
- • 12. Ventilation install (ridge + soffit)
- • 13. Cleanup + magnetic nail sweep
- • 14. Final inspection (city/county)
I · COMMON VIOLATIONS
Common code violations to avoid
- • Roofing over 2+ existing layers (CRC prohibits 3rd layer · full tear-off required)
- • Missing ice/water shield in valleys (required per code · often skipped)
- • Wrong nail count (4 nails/shingle standard · 6 in high-wind)
- • No drip edge (required at eaves + rakes)
- • Improper ventilation (attic mold + warranty voided)
- • Missing kick-out flashing (huge leak source at wall-to-roof junctions)
J · SAC AMENDMENTS
Sacramento-specific amendments
- • Sac City: permit required for all reroofs · online submission at permitcenter.cityofsacramento.org · $250-$650 typical fee
- • Sac County: similar online portal · Cool Roof enforced on low-slope
- • Placer County: WUI zones require Class A assembly · Auburn, Colfax, Meadow Vista
- • El Dorado County: WUI enforcement strict in Camino, Placerville, Pollock Pines · Class A required
- • Yolo County: standard state code · no unique amendments
K · ABOVE CODE
What Cutting Edge does above code
- • Synthetic underlayment (30-yr rated) on ALL jobs (not standard 15#)
- • Ice/water shield at eaves + valleys standard (even where not required)
- • GAF Master Elite + CT SELECT ShingleMaster + OC Platinum manufacturer certifications
- • Documented photos at every inspection stop (owner gets photo report)
- • Lifetime workmanship warranty (Grand Slam bonus)
- • Extra flashing courses (belt-and-suspenders approach)
Grade your existing quote
Does the quote you're comparing include every item above? If they missed even one, we don't.
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$1,250
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Investment
Typical Sac quote: $25,200
$18,000
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Cutting Edge General Contracting · CSLB #1007180 · General B · Fully bonded & insured