Building Code Glossary
Built-up Roof Covering: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define built-up roof covering, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Built-up roof covering is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures. The code's own words are: “Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material.” The IRC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures (IBC 2009), Roof Assemblies (IRC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Built-up Roof Covering — IBC 2009, Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures:
Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Built-up Roof Covering, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures | Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material. |
Where built-up roof covering is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Roof Assemblies | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about built-up roof covering, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Built-up roof covering materials shall comply with the standards in Table 1507.10.2.
Built-up roof covering materials shall comply with the standards in Table R905.9.2.
The terms built-up roof covering is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what built-up roof covering covers:
- Aggregate — IBC 2009: In roofing, crushed stone, crushed slag or water-worn gravel used for surfacing for roof coverings.
Built-up Roof Covering: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof Assemblies (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Aggregate | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Aggregate: Building Code Definition
- Roof Assembly: Building Code Definition
- Roof Deck: Building Code Definition
- Roof Covering: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of built-up roof covering?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures as: “Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on built-up roof covering?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
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