Building Code Glossary
Roof Recover: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define roof recover, 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
Roof recover 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 installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering.” 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), Definitions (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?
Roof Recover — IBC 2009, Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures:
The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Roof Recover, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures | The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering. |
Where roof recover 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 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Roof Assemblies | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The terms roof recover is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what roof recover covers:
- Roof Covering — IBC 2009: The covering applied to the roof deck for weather resistance, fire classification or appearance.
- Existing — IFC 2009: Buildings, facilities or conditions that are already in existence, constructed or officially authorized prior to the adoption of this code.
Roof Recover: 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 | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof Assemblies (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Roof Covering | |
| 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
- 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 roof recover?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures as: “The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering.” 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 roof recover?
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.
What is a roof recover?
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 installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering.” 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.
Related pages
- Roof Covering: Building Code Definition
Roof Covering — IBC 2009 definition: The covering applied to the roof deck for weather resistance, fire classification or appearance.
- Roof Deck: Building Code Definition
Roof Deck — IBC 2009 definition: The flat or sloped surface not including its supporting members or vertical supports.
- Roof Drain: Building Code Definition
Roof Drain — IPC 2009 definition: A drain installed to receive water collecting on the surface of a roof and to discharge …
- Roof Repair: Building Code Definition
Roof Repair — IBC 2009 definition: Reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing roof for the purposes of its maintenance.
- Roof Ventilation: Building Code Definition
Roof Ventilation — IBC 2009 definition: The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air …
- Rooftop Structure: Building Code Definition
Rooftop Structure — IBC 2009 definition: An enclosed structure on or above the roof of any part of a building.