Industry Standards and Guidelines

Beyond building codes, the roofing industry relies on well-established standards and best practices to ensure performance, safety, and durability. This guide highlights the key organizations and documents that define professional-grade roofing across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Why Industry Standards Matter:

Codes tell you the minimum requirements. Standards go further—defining what’s recommended for long-term success, warranty protection, and optimal system performance. Following these guidelines can:

• Reduce the risk of premature failure
  
• Support insurance and warranty claims
  
• Help you pass third-party inspections or quality assurance reviews
  
• Align your project with manufacturer installation requirements

Key Industry Standards Bodies and Documents:

• NRCA Roofing Manuals
  
  • Trusted technical references on low-slope, steep-slope, waterproofing, and maintenance best practices.
    
• ASTM International Standards
  
  • Widely used for testing roofing materials, adhesives, underlayments, and structural performance (e.g., ASTM D3462 for asphalt shingles).
    
• FM Global Standards (FM Approvals)
  
  • Focus on wind uplift, fire resistance, and impact testing for commercial roofs.
    
• ANSI/SPRI Guidelines
  
  • Standards for single-ply roofing systems, drainage components, and installation procedures.
    
• RCI/IIBEC Recommendations
  
  • Specifications for roofing design, consulting, and building envelope diagnostics.
    

These standards help guide RAC’s recommendations and ensure every project exceeds basic compliance.

Want confidence that your roofing project follows industry best practices? RAC applies proven standards to every inspection, repair, and consultation.