Florida/Gulf: which secondary water barrier and roof deck nailing patterns can homeowners verify themselves?
For your second layer of protection, go with a peel-and-stick membrane that covers the whole deck. Make sure the seams overlap and are stuck down nice and flat. When checking the nails, be sure they’re ring-shank type. Space them about six inches apart around the edges and twelve inches in the middle. They should be flush, but not hammered in too deep. You can spot the pattern from the attic before you cover it with insulation.
About the secondary water barrier
-Material: Look for peel-and-stick membranes like Owens Corning Weatherlock, which provide an extra layer of protection against water intrusion.
-Installation: Ensure the secondary water barrier is properly installed, covering the entire roof deck, and is compatible with your roofing material.
Roof Deck Nailing Patterns
-Nail Type and Size: Verify that 8D ring-shank nails with a minimum length of 2 3/8 inches are used. These nails should be made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized steel.
-Nailing Pattern: Check that the nailing pattern follows the Florida Building Code (FBC)