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Get Accurate Michigan Roofing Code Reports Instantly

From Great Lakes Snow to Ice Barrier Standards

Jurisdiction-based Michigan roofing code reports, including permit fee calculator, ice & water shield calculator, wind/fastener standards, and local code amendments to help you stay compliant and build confidently.

MICHIGAN

Michigan Roofing Code Highlights

Permit Thresholds

  • Many Michigan municipalities require a permit for re-roofing or when structural roof deck changes occur.
  • OneClick Code provides permit fee calculations, along with jurisdiction‑specific code requirements by address.

Ice & Water Shield (IWS) / Underlayment Requirements

  •  Ice & Water Shield (IWS) is mandated statewide by Michigan law (R905.1.2). All jurisdictions must require it; local amendments do not remove this requirement.
  • Installation specifics (e.g., coverage length, slope adjustments) follow R905.1.1 and local climate considerations. OneClick Code provides jurisdiction-specific guidance for precise application.

Fire Classification & Material Standards

  •  Roof covering materials must meet classification (Class A, B, or C) under Michigan Administrative Code R 408.30510a.
  • Some jurisdictions require Class A rating if eave is less than 3 ft from the lot line.

Sheathing & Layering Rules

  • Some municipalities enforce full tear‑off when there are already two layers of existing roofing.
  • Roof deck must be solidly sheathed (5/8″ plywood or OSB) for asphalt shingles per R905.2.1.

Key Michigan Counties for Roofing Contractors

High-impact zones

Michigan’s roofing requirements are shaped by heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, ice dam risk, and wind events, with enforcement driven by the Michigan Residential Code (MRC) and local amendments. Contractors must pay close attention to ice-barrier placement, ventilation, structural loading, and permit triggers, which can vary significantly by county and municipality. Accurate, location-specific code data is critical for compliant reroofs and insurance-driven projects.

  • Wayne County, Michigan (Detroit metro): Dense urban development and aging housing stock make permit accuracy, deck conditions, and ventilation requirements especially important for reroof and replacement projects.
  • Oakland County, Michigan (Northern Detroit suburbs): Higher elevations and stricter local enforcement emphasize snow-load considerations, ice-barrier requirements, and attic ventilation compliance.
  • Genesee County, Michigan (Flint region): Severe winter conditions and frequent freeze-thaw cycles necessitate the use of proper underlayment, ice and water shield placement, and adherence to shingle installation standards.
  • Kent County, Michigan (Grand Rapids region): Heavy snowfall and lake-effect weather increase focus on roof slope, ice-dam protection, and structural integrity for residential roofing systems.
  • Ingham County, Michigan (Lansing area): The combination of mixed residential construction and state-level oversight makes accurate code edition identification and permit compliance essential for reroofs and repairs.

OneClick Code supports address-specific roofing code reports for all Michigan jurisdictions, giving contractors instant access to local code editions,  requirements, and recent wind and hail history, so every estimate starts with accurate, compliant data.

Michigan Counties

Why Michigan Roofing Codes Are Complex

Michigan’s climate includes heavy snow loads, ice dams, freeze‑thaw cycles, and variable wind exposure, all of which impact roofing code requirements. Michigan also adopts model codes such as the Michigan Residential Code (MRC) and the Michigan Building Code (MBC) via the Michigan Unified Construction Code, with state‑specific amendments. Furthermore, local building departments may impose additional roofing or reroofing standards that contractors must navigate.

Snow, Ice & Roof Drainage

  • The Michigan Residential Code (Chapter 9) includes provisions for ice barrier installation under R905.1.2: “in areas where there has been a history of ice forming… ice barrier shall extend 24 inches inside the exterior wall line”.
  • Drainage, overhang protection, and flashings are regulated to mitigate ice dam and water intrusion risks.

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Wind & Uplift Considerations

  • Roof assemblies must be designed and installed in accordance with R903.1 and R905.1 (weather protection) in the Michigan Residential Code.
  • Local jurisdictions may have enhanced fastening requirements or overlay limits based on exposure and structural load.
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Layer Limits, Sheathing & Material Standards

  • Michigan often limits the number of roofing layers to no more than two on a structure when reroofing.
  • Sheathing thickness, board spacing, fastener patterns, and underlayment types (R905.1.1) are specified and vary by slope.
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Your All-in-One Solution

OneClick Code

Get address-specific code reports based on the governing jurisdiction, including local amendments, permit fee costs, IWS & underlayment specifications, and wind/fastening details instantly. OneClick Code helps contractors estimate, bid, and install with confidence in Michigan markets.

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Why Michigan Contractors Choose OneClick Code

01

Defensible & Accurate Estimates

Eliminate guesswork by using verified, jurisdiction-specific Michigan roofing codes, including local amendments, snow-load considerations, ice-barrier requirements, and permit rules, so every bid reflects true compliance.

Increased accuracy in estimates and projects
02

Reduced Risk of Code Violations & Fines

Avoid rework, failed inspections, and insurance issues by meeting Michigan Residential Code requirements for underlayment, ventilation, structural fastening, and weather protection.

Reduced risk of code violations and fines
03

Faster Project Timelines

Generate roofing code reports, 3-year wind and hail history, and waste calculations in minutes instead of hours, streamlining estimating, permitting, and planning.

Improved project efficiency and timelines
04

Professional, Data-Driven Reports

Deliver clear, defensible, code-compliant documentation to homeowners, adjusters, insurers, and building departments, helping projects move forward with confidence.

Enhance your professional credibility and client trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for roof repairs in Michigan?

Yes. Most Michigan cities and counties require a permit for roof replacements, tear-offs, and many roof repairs, especially when structural elements or a significant portion of the roof are involved. Minor repairs may be exempt in some municipalities, but permit rules vary by jurisdiction. Always verify with OneClick Code local requirements to ensure compliance with Michigan residential roofing codes.

When is an ice barrier required on a Michigan roof?

Ice & Water Shield (IWS) is required across all Michigan jurisdictions. Coverage requirements may vary depending on roof slope, elevation, or local climate, but no municipality can remove the requirement. OneClick Code provides jurisdiction-specific guidance to ensure proper installation for compliance and risk mitigation.

Are more than two layers of shingles allowed?

In most Michigan jurisdictions, roofing codes limit asphalt shingles to a maximum of two layers. If a roof already has two layers, a full tear-off is usually required before installing new shingles. Some municipalities may require tear-offs regardless of layer count, so checking local code adoption with OneClick Code is critical to avoid inspection failures.

Can OneClick help me calculate permit fees for my Michigan address?

Yes. OneClick Code identifies the correct local jurisdiction for your Michigan project and provides available permit fee calculation, along with the applicable code edition and local amendments. This enables contractors to create accurate, compliant estimates and streamline the permitting process from the outset.

For Michigan Roofers

Built by contractors who understand Michigan’s demanding weather conditions, seasonal extremes, and local code enforcement. Trusted by roofing professionals working across Wayne, Oakland, Kent, Genesee, and Ingham counties.
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