Roof Replacement Without Permits

Skipping permits is the most common illegal modification homeowners attempt, with an estimated cost of over $10,000 requiring a permit for roof replacement projects. You may be charged $500 or more daily for violating building permit laws.

Your county can also put a lien on your home if you don't pay the fine. You may face legal penalties, forced demolition, insurance issues, and even lawsuits from your neighbors.

In addition, it can lead to difficulties in reselling the home as the new roof has the meet safety standards and local regulations. If you didn't read your homeowners' insurance paperwork carefully, you might be surprised to learn that unpermitted work could void your homeowner's insurance.

Your homeowners' insurance company likely won't pay for damages caused by unpermitted work.

Multiple Shingle Layers

Only one layer of shingles is allowed now. In the past, two layers were sometimes okay, but this change is to reduce roof weight and improve wind resistance.

Many homeowners still try to install new shingles over old ones to save money on tear-off costs. This change is to reduce roof weight and improve wind resistance and makes inspections more difficult.

The 2024 Florida Building Code specifically addresses this issue, and violations can result in expensive remediation. The extra weight from multiple layers can also compromise the structural integrity of your roof over time.

Improper Underlayment Installation

The new guidelines state that contractors must use a dual layer of underlayment for metal, asphalt shingle, slat, alate shingle, and mineral surfaced roll roofing. Underlayment must be ASTM D8257, ASTM D226 Type II, or ASTM D4869 Type III or IV.

Homeowners who attempt DIY installations often skip the required dual-layer system or use non-compliant materials. Among these changes is the requirement for a dual layer of underlayment for various roofing materials, including metal, asphalt shingle, slate, and mineral surfaced roll roofing.

Underlayment specifications have also been refined, with guidelines stipulating the use of ASTM-approved materials The 2024 code changes require specific overlap measurements and fastening patterns that many homeowners aren't aware of.

Inadequate Roof Sheathing Thickness

Roof sheathing has to be thicker now to stand up to storms. The minimum thickness went from 7/16 inch to 5/8 inch for most homes.

There are also new rules for nailing down sheathing, with more nails required per sheet, especially in windy areas. Many homeowners try to save money by using thinner, non-compliant sheathing materials.

This modification is particularly dangerous because it affects the structural integrity of the entire roof system. The updated Florida Building Code requires specific nailing patterns and spacing that must be followed to meet hurricane resistance standards.

Skylight Installation Without Proper Permits

This includes the aforementioned satellite dishes, but also skylights. Skylights look great, but they drill right into your roof, making it susceptible to leaks and other issues.

If you want to install skylights, talk with your technician when they are laying down the roof. Damage related to both satellite dishes and antennas, as well as skylights, technically would not void your full roof warranty, but they could void workmanship warranty in the areas the work was done.

Installing skylights without permits is common because homeowners think they're just adding light, not realizing they're creating penetrations that require professional waterproofing. Other objects that may be present on the roof; such as, vent lines, skylights, and roof hatches.

A minimum of four feet clear straight-line pathway shall be provided from the access path to skylights and/or ventilation hatches.

Unpermitted Solar Panel Installations

Modifying a roof with solar panels, satellite dishes, etc. can void the warranty.

If you are preparing to install solar panels, a logical question to ask is, "Do solar panels void the roof warranty?" Because solar panels are installed directly onto the roof, they have the potential to void the roof warranty, but that does not necessarily mean that they will. If they are installed according to the manufacturer's directions and if you consult your original roofing contractor, you can probably install them and keep the roof warranty intact.

All solar installations on buildings shall be approved by the Construction Services Unit prior to installation. Many homeowners attempt DIY solar installations to avoid permit fees and professional installation costs, but this creates serious safety and legal issues.

Satellite Dish and Antenna Modifications

Satellite dishes and related antennas are great for watching 200 channels on your brand new HDTV, but they can impact your roofing warranty. Damage related to both satellite dishes and antennas, as well as skylights, technically would not void your full roof warranty, but they could void workmanship warranty in the areas the work was done.

These installations require proper mounting systems and waterproofing to prevent leaks and structural damage. The mounting hardware must be properly sealed and integrated with the roofing system to maintain water resistance.

Many homeowners underestimate the complexity of creating watertight penetrations through their roof systems.

Improper Ventilation System Modifications

If you choose to use spray foam insulation on your roof sheathing—a process known as hot roofing—the ventilation will suffer and the shingles will heat up. Keep an eye on the ventilation system and inspect it regularly to ensure it is working properly.

Homeowners often block or modify ventilation systems without understanding the impact on their roof's performance and warranty. Proper insulation and ventilation strategies must be maintained to ensure panel efficiency does not compromise the roof's thermal performance.

It is advisable to conduct a professional assessment of these factors to prevent potential damage to your roof from solar panels. Inadequate ventilation can cause moisture problems, premature aging of roofing materials, and ice dam formation in colder climates.