During a new construction project, the roofing contractor is typically responsible for performing the roof dry-in, while the general contractor remains responsible for coordinating the overall construction schedule and ensuring that the work is completed according to the plans, specifications, permits, and applicable building codes. Understanding who handles dry-in is important because this stage protects the building from water intrusion before the permanent roofing system is installed.
What Does “Dry-In” Mean?
Roof dry-in is the process of temporarily or permanently waterproofing the roof deck after the structural roof sheathing has been installed but before the final roof covering is completed. Depending on the roofing system, dry-in may involve installing approved underlayment, self-adhered membranes, base sheets, flashing details, or other water-resistant materials.
The purpose is simple: keep rainwater out of the building while construction continues. This is particularly important in Florida, where heavy rain, wind-driven water, and tropical weather can expose an unfinished structure to significant moisture.
The Florida Building Code recognizes dry-in as part of the roofing inspection process. The 2023 Florida Building Code, for example, identifies roof sheathing and roof/wall dry-in within the sheathing inspection process and lists dry-in as part of the roofing inspection.
Is the Roofing Contractor Responsible?
In most projects, yes. When a licensed roofing contractor has been contracted to install the roofing system, dry-in is generally part of the roofing contractor’s scope of work.
Florida law defines a roofing contractor’s scope broadly to include the installation and use of materials associated with roofing, waterproofing, and related roof work.
However, the exact responsibility depends on the construction contract and project specifications. Some general contractors may include certain temporary weather-protection activities within their own scope, while the roofing subcontractor handles the formal roofing dry-in. Therefore, the contract should clearly identify who supplies the materials, performs the installation, schedules inspections, and assumes responsibility for protecting the structure.
What Is the General Contractor Responsible For?
The general contractor typically coordinates the project as a whole. This can include scheduling the roof framing, sheathing inspection, roofing subcontractor, building inspections, and subsequent trades.
The general contractor also needs to make sure the roofing contractor has access to the site and that preceding work is sufficiently complete before dry-in begins.
Florida contractor licensing law also establishes responsibilities concerning subcontracted roofing work. In general, contractors must subcontract roofing work unless they hold the appropriate state certification or registration, subject to statutory exceptions.
Why Proper Dry-In Matters
A building can suffer substantial damage if the roof deck is left exposed or the dry-in is improperly installed. Water can reach insulation, framing, drywall, electrical components, flooring, and other materials before the permanent roof is completed.
Proper dry-in should therefore be installed according to the applicable building code, approved roofing system, manufacturer requirements, and project specifications. In Florida, required roof inspections can occur during or after installation of the base sheet, anchor sheet, or underlayment, depending on the roofing system.
Who Pays If Water Gets Inside?
Responsibility for water damage is not automatically assigned simply because a roofing contractor performed the dry-in. Determining liability may require reviewing the contract, scope of work, installation records, inspection reports, weather conditions, and the actual cause of the water intrusion.
For this reason, owners and builders should clearly define dry-in responsibilities before construction begins.
Dry-In With a Florida Roofing Contractor
For new construction, the safest approach is to have a qualified roofing contractor perform the roofing-related dry-in according to the approved plans and manufacturer requirements, while the general contractor coordinates the construction sequence and inspections.
If you are building a commercial property or new structure in Florida, Shieldline Roofing can help with new-construction roofing, roof dry-in, waterproofing, and complete roofing installation. Proper coordination from the dry-in stage through final roof installation can help protect the building and prevent costly moisture-related problems later.
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