Building Code Glossary
Reroofing: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define reroofing, 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
Reroofing is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures. The code's own words are: “The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See "Roof recover" and "Roof replacement."” The IRC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures (IBC 2009), Administration (IECC 2009), Roof Assemblies (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
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?
Reroofing — IBC 2009, Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures:
The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See "Roof recover" and "Roof replacement."
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Reroofing, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures | The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See "Roof recover" and "Roof replacement." |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See "Roof recover." |
Where reroofing is used in the code
The term appears in 5 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 | 7 |
| Administration | IECC 2009 | 6 |
| Roof Assemblies | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about reroofing, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
This chapter governs the design, materials, construction, and quality of roof assemblies and rooftop structures, including requirements for weather protection, performance, fire classification, and reroofing.
— IBC 2009, Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
This chapter establishes requirements for the design, materials, construction, and quality of roof assemblies, including classifications, weather protection, and reroofing procedures.
The terms reroofing is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what reroofing covers:
- Roof Covering — IBC 2009: The covering applied to the roof deck for weather resistance, fire classification or appearance.
- Roof Recover — IBC 2009: The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering.
- Existing — IFC 2009: Buildings, facilities or conditions that are already in existence, constructed or officially authorized prior to the adoption of this code.
Reroofing: 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 | Administration (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof Assemblies (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Roof Covering | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Roof Recover | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Existing | |
| 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
- Roof Covering: Building Code Definition
- Roof Recover: Building Code Definition
- Existing: 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 reroofing?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures as: “The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See "Roof recover" and "Roof replacement."” 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 reroofing?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 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.
What is reroofing?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures: “The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See "Roof recover" and "Roof replacement."” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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