LAKE COUNTY FEMA METAL ROOF PROJECT:
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
The intent of this document is to inform homeowners and installers of the installation requirements for the
FEMA Metal Roof Grant project by providing a summary of FEMA specifications and reference documents.
FEMA P-737: Home Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones (Sept ’08)
Steep-slope Roof: Underlayment
Installing an underlayment that has enhanced fire resistance is required to provide protection from embers
that reach the underlayment. An example of an enhanced underlayment is a mineral-surface cap sheet
(rolled roofing), that is rated for use in a Class A rated assembly. If a mineral-surface cap sheet is used
under metal panels, measures should be taken to prevent the metal from bearing directly on the cap sheet
and the cap sheet from abrading the metal (thereby making the metal susceptible to corrosion).
Steep-slope Roof: Covering (Roofing with slope greater than 3:12).
If metal panels are installed over wood battens, fire-retardant-treated battens are recommended.
Ventilation Guidance for Existing Roofs
If the home has ridge vents or wall louvers that are not metal, replace them with metal vents, according to
the guidance provided in FEMA P-737 fact sheet 8. If existing vent openings do not have screens or if the
screen openings are larger than ¼ inch, install metal screens according to the guidance provided in FEMA
P-737 fact sheet 8 (located at the bottom of this document)
FEMA P-737 Fact Sheet 6: Eaves, Overhangs and Soffits


Evaluate the fire-resistance of existing soffits. Some existing soffits (such as those constructed of
plywood) can be covered with noncombustible or fire-resistant material (e.g., fire-retardant-treated
lumber, metal, or fiber-cement board).
If the fascia is combustible, cover the fascia board with a noncombustible or fire-resistant material
(e.g., fire-retardant-treated lumber, metal, or fiber-cement board).
FEMA P-737 Fact Sheet 8: Vents





Specify and install noncombustible material for all vents. Metal products are recommended for vents
and vent flashing.
Specify and install corrosive-resistant, non-combustible wire mesh screens with a maximum opening
of ¼ inch at all vent openings.
Specify and install vent openings with a maximum net free area of 144 square inches.
Place all vent openings at least 10 feet from other buildings or property lines to avoid ignition from
embers and hot gases from an adjacent building that has ignited.
Install shutters over gable-end vents, soffit vents, crawlspace vents, and wall louvers. If the existing
wall or soffit is combustible, install shutters is probably cost-effective only if done in conjunction with
upgrades to the wall or soffit.
NFPA 1144: Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazard from Wildland Fire (2008)
The requirements for roof covering assemblies shall be as follows:
 Only listed roof covering, tested and rated in accordance with FPA 256, Standard Methods of Fire
Tests of Roof Coverings; ASTM E 108, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings;
or equivalent, shall be used.
 The specific class shall be consistent with the wildland fire hazard assessment as determined by
Lake County.
.
1


Where the roof profile allows space between the roof covering and the roof decking, the spaces
shall be constructed to prevent the intrusion of flames and embers, be fire-stopped with approved
materials, or have additional assembly components of noncombustible materials to prevent
ignition.
Attic or foundation ventilation louvers or ventilation openings in vertical walls shall be covered with
nominal ¼ in. mesh corrosion-resistant metal screen or other noncombustible and approved
material that offers equivalent protection.
Metal & Special Roofs




These roofs must be applied per manufacturer’s specifications.
A complete copy of the manufacturer’s specifications and installation instructions must be on site and
available for the installers and the building inspector.
Photographs showing underlayment, battens (if used), ice and water barrier, and/or rolled roofing that
will be covered by the roofing material must be submitted. Photographs must show all surfaces of roof
and indication the actual eligible dwelling. These should be submitted electronically (preferred) or by
mail to BJ Kohlstedt, at bj.kohlstedt@co.lake.mn.us, or Lake County Emergency Management, 99
Edison Blvd, Silver Bay, MN 55614.
A completion inspection is required upon completion.
Environmental Considerations (per FEMA)







During construction, placement of equipment and stockpiling of structural debris will be confined
to the front and back of the structure; heavy equipment will, where possible, be kept on the driveway,
the street or other hard surfaces.
The applicant must follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and requirements
for the abatement and disposal of lead, asbestos, and other routinely encountered hazardous
substances. If there is an unusual material encountered or there is an extraordinary amount of lead,
asbestos, or other routinely encountered material, the applicant must also contact the relevant agency
with authority for regulation of the material.
No on-site disposal of demolition debris will be allowed; all debris resulting from the demolition must
be deposited in an approved landfill area; no debris can be deposited in wetland or floodplain
areas.
In order to avoid ground disturbance and potential impacts to archaeological resources, any trees
cleared during the creation of defensible space will be cut flush to the ground with no stump
removed.
If ground-disturbing activities occur during implementation, the applicant will monitor excavation
activity, and if any artifacts or human remains are found during excavation process all work is to
cease and the applicant will notify FEMA, Grantee, and the State Historic and Preservation Office
(SHPO).
If deviations from the proposed scope of work result in substantial design changes, the need for
additional ground disturbance, additional removal of vegetation, or in any other unanticipated changes
to the physical environment, the Grantee must contact FEMA, and a re-evaluation under NEPA and
other applicable environmental laws will be conducted by FEMA.
This review does not address all federal, state and local requirements. Acceptance of federal funding
requires recipient to comply with all federal, state and local laws. Failure to obtain all appropriate
federal, state and local environmental permits and clearances may jeopardize federal funding.
2
Homeowner Maintenance Considerations




The homeowner should have roof debris regularly removed from the roof surface, on or near vent
openings, vent screens and louver blades, and gutters.
Bird stops/metal panel end caps should be inspected annually to ensure that they have not fallen out
of place.
Planting combustible vegetation under eaves and overhangs should be avoided, and the amount of
vegetation near vent openings should be limited. (see Defensible Space Fact Sheet in Homeowner
Packet).
To minimize the possibility that embers and hot gas will be pulled into the home, the HVAC system,
including exhaust fans, should be turned off when a wildfire threatens. Attic exhaust fans should also
be shut down. Attic exhaust fans that are controlled by a thermostat may need to be deactivated by
tripping the circuit breakers.
References
 FEMA P-737: Home Builder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones (Sept 2013)
P-737 Fact Sheet 8: Vents
http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/15962

and FEMA
NFPA 1144: Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazard from Wildland Fire (2013)
http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=1144
Installer:
I have read and understand the above specifications of the Lake County FEMA
Metal Roofing Project.
Installer Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _________________
Name (Printed): ______________________________________ Title: __________________
Homeowner:
I have read and understand the above specifications of the Lake County FEMA
Metal Roofing Project.
Homeowner Signature: ________________________________ Date: _________________
Name (Printed): ______________________________________
Submit electronically (preferred) or by mail, with Installation Plan Application, to BJ Kohlstedt, at
bj.kohlstedt@co.lake.mn.us, or Lake County Emergency Management, 99 Edison Blvd, Silver Bay, MN 55614.
3