NC roofing code and insurance updates: what homeowners should know

Before you read

Why we put this page together

Homeowners in Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Catawba, Iredell, and Cleveland counties ask us the same questions after a storm or before a replacement: what does code actually require on a new roof, what is Ordinance or Law coverage, and what is changing in North Carolina homeowners policies? This page answers those questions with the text of the code and the statutes, so you can read it for yourself.

2018 NC Residential Code, Chapter 9

What NC code requires when your roof is replaced

The residential code in effect in North Carolina today is the 2018 North Carolina Residential Code, based on the 2015 International Residential Code and effective January 1, 2019, with state amendments. Chapter 9 covers roofs. These are the rules that matter most on a shingle roof replacement.

The manufacturer’s instructions are part of the code

Roof assemblies shall be applied in accordance with this chapter and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

2018 NC Residential Code, R904.1

Roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

2018 NC Residential Code, R905.1

In plain terms: when a shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions call for a component or a nailing pattern, following them is part of meeting code, not an optional extra.

Underlayment

Underlayment materials required to comply with ASTM D226, D1970, D4869 and D6757 shall bear a label indicating compliance to the standard designation and, if applicable, type classification indicated in Table R905.1.1(1).

2018 NC Residential Code, R905.1.1

For roof slopes from two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) up to four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (4:12), double underlayment application is required in accordance with Section R905.1.1.

2018 NC Residential Code, R905.2.2

Underlayment has to be a labeled product that meets the listed ASTM standard. Under Table R905.1.1(2), shingle roofs at 4:12 or steeper get one layer, and low-slope sections from 2:12 up to 4:12, such as many porch roofs, get two.

Wind-rated shingles and four nails in the 115 mph counties

The code’s county wind table, Table R301.2(4), starts with “Counties not listed 115.” Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Catawba, and Iredell counties are not listed, so their design wind speed is 115 mph.

Asphalt shingles shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D7158. Asphalt shingles shall meet the classification requirements of Table R905.2.4.1 for the appropriate ultimate design wind speed. Asphalt shingle packaging shall bear a label to indicate compliance with ASTM D7158 and the required classification in Table R905.2.4.1.

2018 NC Residential Code, R905.2.4.1

At 115 mph, the table’s 116 mph row applies: ASTM D7158 Class D, G or H, or ASTM D3161 Class A, D or F for shingles outside the scope of D7158. Look for that class on the shingle bundle label.

Asphalt shingles shall have the minimum number of fasteners required by the manufacturer, but not less than four fasteners per strip shingle or two fasteners per individual shingle.

2018 NC Residential Code, R905.2.6

In these 115 mph counties, four nails per strip shingle is the code minimum, unless the manufacturer requires more. The code’s six-nail rule applies at 130 mph or more with an eave 20 feet or higher, at 140 mph or more, and in certain mountain areas. The nails themselves must be roofing nails with at least a 12-gage shank and a 3/8-inch head that go at least 3/4 inch into the roof sheathing (R905.2.5), and shingles have to be fastened to solidly sheathed decks (R905.2.1).

Flashing

Flashings shall be installed at wall and roof intersections, wherever there is a change in roof slope or direction and around roof openings. A flashing shall be installed to divert the water away from where the eave of a sloped roof intersects a vertical sidewall.

2018 NC Residential Code, R903.2.1

Any existing flashings, edgings, outlets, vents or similar devices that are a part of the assembly shall be replaced where rusted, damaged or deteriorated.

2018 NC Residential Code, R908.5

Flashing belongs where walls meet the roof, where the slope or direction changes, and around chimneys, skylights, and other openings. Where a roof eave runs into a sidewall, a diverter (often called kickout flashing) steers water away from the wall. On a reroof, existing flashing, edge metal, and vents have to be replaced when they are rusted, damaged, or deteriorated, so we photograph their condition.

Tear-off and the two-layer limit

Roof replacement shall include the removal of existing layers of roof coverings down to the roof deck and replacement of up to 15% of the total existing roof deck. Replacement of up to 15% of the total roof deck shall not be considered structural work.

2018 NC Residential Code, R908.3 (NC amendment)

A roof re-cover shall not be permitted where any of the following conditions occur:

• Where the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing.
• Where the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile.
• Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.

2018 NC Residential Code, R908.3.1.1

In North Carolina, a roof replacement means removing the old roof down to the deck. The 15% language is an allowance: up to 15% of the deck can be replaced without counting as structural work, and decking is replaced based on its condition. The code allows a re-cover (new shingles over old) in some cases, but never over a roof that already has two layers, a roof that is water-soaked or deteriorated, or slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile.

Drip edge: only when the manufacturer requires it

R905.2.8.5 Drip Edge. Deleted. Not required unless required by the roof covering manufacturer installation instructions.

NC amendment to the 2018 NC Residential Code (delayed effective date January 1, 2022)

North Carolina amended the code so that drip edge is not required by the code on its own. It becomes a code requirement when the roof covering manufacturer’s installation instructions require it.

Insurance basics

Ordinance or Law coverage, explained

Building codes change. When part of a home is repaired or rebuilt, meeting today’s code can cost more than simply putting back what was there. Ordinance or Law coverage is the part of a homeowners policy that addresses those increased code costs. Most North Carolina homeowners policies follow the North Carolina Rate Bureau’s homeowners program, which is built on standard ISO policy forms. Here is how the standard ISO HO 00 03 form words it:

You may use up to 10% of the limit of liability that applies to Coverage A for the increased costs you incur due to the enforcement of any ordinance or law which requires or regulates: (1) The construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation or repair of that part of a covered building or other structure damaged by a Peril Insured Against; ...

This coverage is additional insurance.

ISO Homeowners 3 Special Form, HO 00 03 05 11, Section I, Additional Coverage 11. Ordinance Or Law

• In the standard form, it is a percentage of your Coverage A limit, and it is additional insurance.
• The form speaks of increased costs “you incur,” so timing matters. Ask your agent how your policy handles it.
• Policies differ. An endorsement, HO 04 77 (Ordinance Or Law Increased Amount Of Coverage), can raise the amount.
• Check your declarations page for Ordinance or Law coverage and any HO 04 77 endorsement, and ask your agent or carrier what your policy provides.

What we do: our estimate separates the code-required items for your roof from everything else, so you and your adjuster can see what the code requires. We don’t give coverage opinions. Your insurance company decides what your policy covers.

NC law since October 1, 2024

After a claim denial: NC’s five-business-day cancellation period

North Carolina added this rule for residential roofing contracts in Session Law 2024-11. It took effect October 1, 2024, and applies to contracts entered into on or after that date.

(b1) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, contracts for residential roof replacement or repair shall be subject to a five-business day cancellation period following an insurance claim denial for the work to be performed under the contract, during which time the seller shall not begin work or collect any payment until the five business days have expired. If the residential roofing contractor has performed emergency services, acknowledged by the insured in writing to be necessary to prevent further damage to the premises, the residential roofing contractor shall be entitled to collect the amount due for the emergency services at the time they are rendered. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-401.13(b1)

• It covers contracts for residential roof replacement or repair.
• After an insurance claim denial, the contract is subject to a five-business-day cancellation period.
• During those five business days, the roofing contractor may not begin work or collect any payment.
• The exception is emergency work you acknowledge in writing was needed to prevent further damage, such as a tarp. That can be billed when it is done.
• A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Questions about your rights under a contract are legal questions. Talk to a North Carolina attorney.

Coming June 1, 2027

June 1, 2027: changes to NC homeowners policies

The North Carolina Rate Bureau is replacing its homeowners program with a new one based on ISO’s 2022 homeowners forms. It applies to new and renewal policies starting June 1, 2027.

These changes become effective on June 1, 2027...

NC Rate Bureau Circular P-25-3 (October 29, 2025)

Three changes affect roofs directly.

Roof Payment Schedule (HO 32 31)

With this endorsement to your policy, coverage for damage to "roof surfacing" may be settled at a percentage of full replacement cost based on age of roof and type of roof material.

Sample policyholder notice, NC Rate Bureau Circular P-25-5 (December 18, 2025)

Under this endorsement, wind and hail damage to roof surfacing may be settled at a percentage of replacement cost that depends on your roof’s age and material. The notice says the percentage includes labor, permits, any applicable tax, and overhead and profit, and it defines roof surfacing to include the shingles, roof flashing, and “all materials applied to or under the roof surface for moisture protection.”

Matching exclusion and the HO 32 97 buyback

The Rate Bureau’s summary (Circular P-25-3) lists “an exclusion for material matching and an optional buyback endorsement.” The buyback is HO 32 97, “Matching Exterior Surfacing Coverage – North Carolina.”

Cosmetic damage exclusion (HO 06 43)

With this endorsement to your policy, there is no coverage under your policy for marring, pitting or other superficial damage caused by Windstorm or Hail that alters the appearance of the "exterior surfacing" of any buildings insured under your policy, but such damage does not prevent the "exterior surfacing" from continuing to function as a barrier to entrance of the elements to the same extent as it did before the cosmetic damage occurred.

Sample policyholder notice, NC Rate Bureau Circular P-25-5 (December 18, 2025)

The program pairs the cosmetic damage exclusion with an optional buyback endorsement.

Starting June 1, 2027

Roof age and your policy: keep your roof paperwork

The same 2027 homeowners program makes your roof’s age a rating factor. The NC Rate Bureau’s 2027 manual adds a table called “Roof Surfacing Classification Factors” that applies in all territories, including ours. The factor depends on three things: the roof material, the age of the roof, and the roof loss settlement option on the policy. It applies to new and renewal policies starting June 1, 2027.

If the roof’s age isn’t known, the manual assigns one:

If the roof age is Unknown, and age of dwelling is more than or equal to 11 years for Asphalt Shingles or Composite Shingles or age of dwelling is more than or equal to 16 years for All Other Roof Surfacing Materials, use Roof Age 11 for Asphalt Shingle or Composite Shingle and Age 16 for All Other Types Of Roof Surfacing Material.

NC Rate Bureau Circular P-26-2 (February 13, 2026), 2027 Homeowners Policy Program Manual, Table 301.A.1.hl

For a younger home, the manual uses the home’s age of construction instead. Either way, the simplest thing you can do is keep a record that shows when your roof was installed.

What to keep

• The dated invoice or contract for the roof, showing your address and the date the work was finished.
• The building permit and final inspection record, if a permit was issued for the job.
• The manufacturer’s warranty registration. For a GAF roof, GAF says that if you don’t receive a copy of your limited warranty and registration within 60 days after installation is complete, contact GAF at 1-877-423-7663.
• The install date, written down with your home records, along with the roof material and the contractor’s name.

Keep paper copies with your home records and digital copies somewhere you can reach after a storm.

Read your renewal notice

North Carolina law requires written notice before an insurance company changes your coverage or your premium rate:

Whenever an insurer changes the coverage other than at the request of the insured or changes the premium rate, it shall give the insured written notice of such coverage change or premium rate change at least 15 days in advance of the effective date…

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-36-45

When your renewal paperwork arrives, read it before the effective date. If it lists roof details such as age or material, check them against your records. Questions about what the notice means for your policy go to your agent. Only your insurance company decides coverage.

Code status

The 2024 NC Residential Code isn’t in effect yet

North Carolina has adopted a 2024 edition of the residential code, but it is not in effect, and no effective date has been set. The original start date was January 1, 2025. Session Law 2024-57 moved it to July 1, 2025, and then Session Law 2025-2 delayed it again:

... the 2024 North Carolina State Building Code shall become effective 12 months after the first day of the month following the date the State Fire Marshal certifies, by letter to the Revisor of Statutes with copies sent to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, that both of the following events have occurred: ...

Session Law 2025-2, Section 5.12.(b)

Those two events are finishing publication and distribution of the 2024 code and having the Residential Code Council fully constituted. Until the 2024 code takes effect, roofs are built to the 2018 North Carolina Residential Code described above.

Coming January 1, 2027: the Building Code Council and the Residential Code Council move to the North Carolina Department of Labor under Session Law 2026-41, and code interpretations move there from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The same law says the code in effect on January 1, 2027 is not affected by the move unless the councils amend it.

The Building Code Council and Residential Code Council are transferred to the Department of Labor as a Type II transfer, as defined in G.S. 143A-6, and shall be administered through the Building Codes and Interpretations Bureau of the Department of Labor…

Session Law 2026-41, Section 13.5.(c) (effective January 1, 2027)

How we help

What we do, and what to ask your agent

Campbells Precision Roofing is a licensed roofing contractor (NC Licensed Contractor #101889) and a GAF Master Elite® contractor. We are not an insurance company or a public adjuster.

• Free inspection, with photos and plain-language notes on what we find.
• We document the code-required scope for your roof: underlayment, wind-rated shingles and nailing, flashing, tear-off, and anything the manufacturer’s instructions require.
• If you ask us to, we can be at your home when your adjuster inspects the roof, to show what we documented.
• You stay in charge of your claim and in contact with your insurance company.
• Coverage questions go to your agent or carrier. Only your insurance company decides coverage.
• Full tear-off on every roof we replace.

Want to know how we document storm damage? See storm damage and insurance inspections, browse our roofing FAQ, or read about roof repair and replacement and GAF warranties. Hiring after a storm? Use our roofer vetting checklist.

This page is general education, not legal or insurance advice. Code text is from the 2018 North Carolina Residential Code as amended; statute text is from the North Carolina General Statutes. Campbell's Precision Roofing LLC · NC Licensed Contractor #101889 · GAF Master Elite®.