If You Knew What Meeting Building Code Meant – You’d Understand Why We Always Aim Higher
Any true craftsman in the Seattle area knows that meeting the local building code is never enough.
Why?
Because they know what most homeowners don’t – that building to code is about minimum safety, not quality. A roof built to code is a roof that won’t fail suddenly and will do its job for a reasonable amount of time before it inevitably begins to fail.
If we worked with that metric in mind, there’d be no way we could offer our Triple-Guard Warranty – making us just like the rest of the roofers around town.
New Construction Always Meets Code – But Rarely Homeowner Expectations
Most of the roofs we replace are on homes that were built less than 18 years ago.
Why?
Because they were built to code – and no further.
We get it. When you’re building 150 homes, saving a couple of grand here and a few hundred there can add up. The builders aren’t doing anything illegal per se, but the results are telling.
Replacing a major element of your home more than a full decade before your mortgage is paid off is probably not your idea of quality – and we agree.
And the only way to give you the quality you want (and we demand!) is to treat building codes as what they are – the minimum allowable standard – and exceed them every step of the way!
More Than 1000 Words
We Get Ventilation Right
Finding YOUR Perfect Roof
No Magic – Just Sky-High Standards
To be clear, the local building codes will give you a roof that is safe and trustworthy for years – just not many of them.
Since our goal is to give you a roof that will last the rest of your life, we must pick up the slack left by the industry standards.
That slack isn’t so much in the procedures laid out in our laws but in the quality of the materials deemed acceptable. And these substandard materials lead to the minimal expectations that we flatly reject.
One example would be the boots used to protect your roof in areas around the vent pipes in your roof. A standard boot that satisfies local building code is made of neoprene and costs roughly six bucks. The step up from there is the same boot but with a metal base.
Each will protect your roof perfectly well for anywhere from 10 to 15 years before they begin to fail.
At RoofSmart, that’s just not acceptable.
We use a silicone boot that clamps around the pipe to prevent movement and will last as long as your roof, which is guaranteed for life.
While these silicone boots cost ten times as much as the neoprene boots, they guarantee you’ll never have to deal with structural damage from hidden leaks around your pipes. NEVER.
And we treat every portion of your roof with the same care. Simply put, if we use a material, you can bet it’s the best quality available.
But using superior materials is only half of the story.
Ceaseless Attention To Detail
Since there are a great many manufacturers of roofing materials, each with their own set of procedures for their products, building codes can only be so detailed. This reality is one of the reasons that building codes are based on the bare minimum rather than best practices.
So, an installer can follow the code to the letter and still do a horrible job installing a roof. If they look to the codes rather than a manufacturer’s recommendations, your warranty (and the roof’s longevity) could be in the dump way too soon.
At RoofSmart, we always follow the recommendations that come with the products we install for two main reasons:
- The manufacturer knows what is required for their product to perform as advertised.
- Their recommendations invariably exceed the standards within our local building codes.
So, when we do a roof replacement, we check every last detail to ensure they are correct before moving to the next step.
And when we’re finished – we check them again.
The result of all that effort is thrilled customers who enjoy life-long peace of mind.
If you need a new roof for your Seattle area home and want it installed by a company that leaves the meager industry standards in the dust, call us at RoofSmart for a free estimate today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "building to code" actually mean for my roof?
Building to code represents the minimum legal safety standard required by local government. It ensures the structure won't fail immediately, but it is not a benchmark for high quality or long-term durability.
2. Why do many Seattle roofs need replacement after only 15-18 years?
Most new construction roofs are built to the "bare minimum" to save costs. Using standard materials like neoprene pipe boots or basic shingles usually results in a roof that fails a decade before the mortgage is even paid off.
3. What is the difference between a neoprene pipe boot and a silicone boot?
A standard neoprene boot costs about $6 and lasts 10–15 years before cracking. RoofSmart uses silicone boots that cost ten times more but are designed to last the entire life of the roof without leaking.
4. Can a roofer follow building codes and still do a poor job?
Yes. Building codes are often broad and don't account for specific manufacturer requirements. If an installer follows the code but ignores the manufacturer's specific instructions, it can void your warranty and lead to premature failure.
5. Why is manufacturer-specific installation important?
Manufacturers know exactly what their products need to perform as advertised. Following these "best practice" guidelines almost always exceeds local building codes, ensuring the roof qualifies for full warranty coverage.
6. How does RoofSmart’s warranty differ from a standard roofing warranty?
Because RoofSmart builds far beyond the minimum code, they can offer the Triple-Guard Warranty, which provides a level of protection most "to-code" contractors simply can't match.
7. Does using better materials really prevent structural damage?
Absolutely. By using superior materials like high-grade flashing and silicone seals, you prevent the hidden leaks that lead to wood rot and expensive structural repairs over time.
8. How do I know if RoofSmart is the right contractor for my specific needs?
If you value long-term value over the lowest possible bid, you can evaluate if their high-standard approach aligns with your goals by checking if RoofSmart is the right fit for your project.
9. What happens during a RoofSmart inspection to ensure these high standards?
The process starts with a meticulous SmartMatch Needs Analysis, which diagnoses the specific weaknesses of your current "to-code" roof to prescribe a permanent solution.
10. How can I get a quote for a roof that exceeds building codes?
You can start by getting an Instant Roof Estimate online or scheduling a professional consultation to see the "above-code" difference in person.
Jim Singleterry
Jim Singleterry is the founder of RoofSmart™ and a leading authority in the American roofing and gutter industry. A second-generation builder, Jim was raised on his father’s job sites in California, developing a foundational "boots-on-the-ground" expertise before earning a Computer Science degree from Washington State University. Jim is what happens when you combine technical, data-driven precision with the grit of a master tradesman. While he spent years in leadership at industry giants like LeafFilter® and founded the Seattle market's premier gutter company, Leafless in Seattle®, his true differentiator is his relentless commitment to the field. Over the last 15 years, Jim has personally consulted on over 3,000 individual projects—maintaining a staggering pace of 200 personal site visits per year. This deep, hands-on data set allows Jim to provide homeowners with "expert-biased" advice that most contractors simply cannot match. He doesn't just manage projects; he diagnoses them with a level of technical accuracy rarely seen in the trades. An Amazon Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Jim co-authored Empathy and Understanding in Business with legendary FBI negotiator Chris Voss, bringing the art of tactical empathy to the home improvement experience. As a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Roofing Contractors of Washington (RCAW), Jim continues to lead RoofSmart™ with a simple, uncompromising mission: providing the Competence, Integrity, and Value that every homeowner deserves.
