Question : roof building codes in houston, tx?
Just survived Hurricane Ike. However, the majority of the shingles were blown from my roof (and more than a third of the homes in my subdivision). This caused extensive water damage and the ceiling of 2 bedrooms, den, and hallway of the 2nd floor collapsed due to this. Also, the ceiling of the garage suffered major damage because of the water leaking from the 2nd floor.

Long story short, we just realized the builder only put shingles on top of the plywood of the roof – no “tarp” or whatever material is normally used under the shingles. My neighbors and I want to know what were/are the building codes for roof installation for houses in Houston that were built around 2000-2001? Also, the roof is still under warranty, but the builder is only going to do a “patch” job. We also want to know is there a way to get them to replace the entire roof and repair our damage at at their cost?

Every since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita the deductibles for claims on home owners insurance is outrageous. Since we feel the damage was due to “short-cut or shady” construction practices we -my neighbors and I – believe the builder to be at fault.

Any help is appreciated.
builders warranty insurance

Best answer:

Answer by adio_j
Good question. It is customary to use 30 pound roofing felt under composition shingles. Talk to the building inspector. Go through your insurance company also. Did the inspector “walk the roof” or just eyeball it from the ground. Meet with more than one reputable roofer. wE WENT THROUGH THIS WITH cLAUDETTE IN 03 IN vICTORIA. Every crook was there . Make sure you SEE his license and verify he has insurance. If a roofer falls, if the contractor does not carry comp, you are the one on the hook!