Cheyenne Roofing Codes Explained: What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Replacing a Roof

At Semper Fi Restoration, we don’t cut corners. We build every roof with local codes in mind—because your safety, your investment, and your home deserve nothing less.

Here’s a homeowner-friendly breakdown of Cheyenne’s residential roofing codes, why they matter, and how Semper Fi ensures full compliance from the first shingle to final inspection.



💨 Design Wind Speed: Cheyenne Roofs Must Withstand 115 MPH Gusts

Cheyenne is classified under Risk Category II, which means your home must be built to withstand winds up to 115 mph. That’s no joke—and it’s a big reason why we carefully choose shingle types, fasteners, and underlayment materials rated for high wind resistance.

Our roofing systems are installed to exceed manufacturer requirements for wind uplift, especially at vulnerable areas like rakes, ridges, and eaves.

❄️ Ice Barrier & Drip Edge Requirements: Preventing Ice Dams and Water Intrusion

According to both the 2018 IBC and IRC codes adopted by Cheyenne:

• Ice barriers are REQUIRED on eaves only
• Drip edge is REQUIRED on both eaves and rakes

These components help keep melting snow and rain from sneaking under your shingles and causing damage to the roof deck. If your current roof doesn’t have these, it’s not up to code—and it’s leaving your home exposed.

🧱 Roof Decking Rules: No More Than 1/4” Gaps Allowed

The City of Cheyenne requires roof sheathing (decking) gaps to be no larger than 1/4” for asphalt shingles. Why? Because larger gaps make fasteners less secure and increase the chance of shingle blow-off during high winds.

At Semper Fi Restoration, we inspect every deck before re-roofing. If your deck has wide gaps, water damage, or rot, we’ll recommend replacement so your new roof actually stays put.

🔥 Ventilation Standards: Code-Compliant Attics Save Roofs

Improper attic ventilation is a common cause of roof failure and heat buildup. Cheyenne follows Section R806 of the IRC, which requires:

• A minimum of 1/150 of the vented space in free air ventilation
• Proper distribution of intake and exhaust vents
• Vents protected against entry of rain, birds, and rodents

We always check your attic ventilation and include code-compliant solutions with every full roof replacement.

🧰 One Layer of Shingles Only – No More Roof-Over Jobs

Per Cheyenne’s building code, you’re only allowed one layer of asphalt shingles. That means no more “roof over your old shingles” shortcuts.

We follow this to the letter and will always tear off the old roof to inspect the decking and underlayment. Why? Because layering over old shingles hides damage and shortens your roof’s lifespan.

🚫 Roof Re-Cover Restrictions: When You Can (And Can’t) Re-Roof Over Old Materials

Even if you’re trying to save money, Cheyenne’s code clearly states a roof re-cover is NOT allowed if:

1. The existing roof is wet, water-soaked, or deteriorated
2. It’s made of slate, clay, or asbestos-cement tile
3. The existing roof already has multiple layers

Semper Fi performs a thorough inspection to determine if your roof is eligible for a re-cover. But in most cases, a full tear-off and replacement is the best path to code compliance and long-term protection.

🧊 Flashings & Water Shield: No Skipping the Small Stuff

Per Section R903 and R905.1.2, all flashings must:

• Be corrosion-resistant
• Be installed at all roof-wall intersections, valleys, and roof penetrations
• Include ice and water shield (minimum 2 layers of felt or self-adhering underlayment) extending at least 24” inside the exterior wall

Skipping or poorly installing flashing is one of the top causes of roof leaks. We follow manufacturer and code requirements exactly—every nail, every valley.

📐 Slope Requirements: Know Your Roof’s Pitch

Asphalt shingles must only be installed on roof slopes of 2:12 or greater. If your roof has a low pitch, it may require:

• A double underlayment system
• Or a different roofing material entirely (e.g., modified bitumen, metal)

We calculate slope during our free inspections and recommend options that meet code and optimize water flow.

🧾 Need a Permit? You Bet.

Yes, you need a building permit in Cheyenne for roof replacements. We handle that for you—start to finish—and schedule the city inspection once the job is complete.

We also document everything, from photos to drone footage, making your insurance claim and final inspection smooth, fast, and stress-free.

✅ Why Code Compliance Matters (and How It Protects You)

Here’s what cutting corners on code compliance can cost you:

• Insurance claim denial due to improper installation
• Home resale issues from failed inspections
• Shortened roof lifespan due to skipped components
• Major leaks from inadequate flashing or underlayment

With Semper Fi Restoration, you get more than a roof—you get a code-compliant system built to last, backed by drone footage, local knowledge, and veteran-grade discipline.

🇺🇸 Local, Veteran-Owned, and Code-Smart

We’re proud to be local to the Cheyenne and Northern Colorado region, and we know these codes like the back of our hand. When storms hit and damage is invisible to the eye, our free drone roof inspections reveal the truth—before leaks or problems show up.

Need help figuring out if your roof is up to code?

📞 Call us today at 720-902-7802 or

📍 Learn more: https://www.semperfirestoration.com

Defending Your Home. One Roof at a Time.

Semper Fi Restoration – Cheyenne’s trusted name in code-compliant roofing.