Philadelphia experiences an average of 30 freeze-thaw cycles each winter, which makes proper attic ventilation and ice dam prevention critical design factors for new roof construction. When heated air from your building escapes into an unventilated attic, it warms the roof deck and melts snow. That meltwater runs down to the eaves, where it refreezes because the eaves extend beyond the heated building envelope. The resulting ice dams force water under shingles and into wall cavities. Building a new roof without accounting for this cycle guarantees problems within the first five years. We design ventilation systems that maintain cold roof decks in winter, which prevents the temperature differential that causes ice dams.
Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections requires permits for all new roof construction, and their inspectors verify that installations meet the 2018 International Building Code as adopted by the city. Atlas Roofing Philadelphia maintains active contractor licenses and pulls permits for every project. We know which details L&I inspectors prioritize during roof inspections and how to document our work to satisfy their requirements. Choosing a contractor unfamiliar with Philadelphia's specific code interpretations and inspection procedures adds delays and costs to your project. Our local expertise keeps your build on schedule and compliant with all city requirements from the first inspection.