Our work in Washington
No completed jobs in Washington yet — said plainly, because the alternative is implying something that is not true. It is 20 miles from Bethel, comfortably within where we work.
Washington covers 38.1 square miles in Litchfield County.
Neighbourhoods and villages here include Horse Heaven, Marble Dale, New Preston, Romford and Woodville. What is on the roofs differs across them, and so does what should go back on.
Design criteria for a Washington roof
Roofs in Washington are designed to an ultimate wind speed of 115 mph, which the code expresses as 89 mph nominal. The source is Appendix AY of the 2022 Connecticut State Building Code. With 168 towns rated equal or higher, this is the calmer end of Connecticut. That changes the nail count required, not whether nails matter. Being outside the hurricane-prone region, this town does not pick up the sealed roof deck requirement.
Snow loading here is 35 psf at grade. That is above the statewide floor. In practice it shows up as drift at valleys and behind dormers rather than as trouble across an open field of shingles.
Connecticut amendments that apply here
The state changes the model code in two places worth knowing about. R905.1.2 requires ice barrier everywhere in Connecticut, extending at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line as measured up the slope. And R905.1.1, the sealed roof deck amendment, does not apply over narrow lumber sheathing — under 3 inches nominal — which is exactly what many pre-1950 houses in this state have.
On nailing, be careful who you believe. Connecticut's code minimum is four nails per shingle. Six is what the shingle manufacturers require to keep a wind warranty in force, and six is what we install — but that is a manufacturer requirement, not a code requirement. A contractor telling you the code demands six is either mistaken or selling.
Permits and inspections in Washington
Washington issues roofing permits through its building department. The building official on record is Peter K. Bowman. The office is staffed full-time, so inspections here are generally straightforward to schedule. The published number is 860-868-0844. Written questions go to pbowman@washingtonct.org. We pull the permit ourselves. If a roofer asks you to pull it in your own name, that is a reason to stop and ask why.
A roof replacement permit in Connecticut is generally issued over the counter or online once the scope is submitted, with an inspection at completion. Where a house sits in a local historic district, or where zoning or health review applies, that approval comes first and can add real time. If your property is affected, we will tell you before the contract is signed rather than after the dumpster arrives.
How Washington compares with the towns around it
Every town Washington borders is rated for equal or stronger wind. Crossing the town line here means a heavier fastening schedule, not a lighter one.
| Bordering town | Design wind | vs. Washington | Ground snow | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem | 120 mph | +5 | 35 psf | Litchfield |
| Kent | 115 mph | same | 40 psf | Litchfield |
| Litchfield | 115 mph | same | 35 psf | Litchfield |
| Morris | 115 mph | same | 35 psf | Litchfield |
| New Milford | 115 mph | same | 35 psf | Litchfield |
| Roxbury | 120 mph | +5 | 35 psf | Litchfield |
| Warren | 115 mph | same | 40 psf | Litchfield |
| Woodbury | 120 mph | +5 | 35 psf | Litchfield |
Get a straight answer on your roof
Free inspection, a written scope, and a 25-year workmanship warranty.
Common questions about roofing in Washington
Is ice barrier required on a Washington roof?
Yes — Connecticut requires it statewide under code section R905.1.2, running from the lowest roof edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. With a 35 psf ground snow load in Washington, that detail is doing real work.
Do I need a permit to replace a roof in Washington?
Yes. A roof replacement in Washington requires a building permit, and we pull it as part of the job. The building department's published number is 860-868-0844 if you want to confirm anything independently.
Who is the building official in Washington?
Peter K. Bowman is the building official on record for Washington, per the State of Connecticut list of municipal building officials. Staffing changes — confirm with the town before relying on it.
How many nails per shingle should be used in Washington?
Connecticut's code minimum is four. Shingle manufacturers require six to keep their wind warranty in force, and six is what we install. Six nails is a manufacturer requirement, not a code requirement.
What wind speed does a roof in Washington have to be designed for?
The 2022 Connecticut State Building Code assigns Washington an ultimate design wind speed of 115 mph. That figure sets the fastener schedule and the manufacturer wind rating we specify.
Design criteria are taken from Appendix AY of the 2022 Connecticut State Building Code. Building department details come from the State of Connecticut list of municipal building officials, updated 04-06-2026. Municipal staffing and personnel change — confirm current details with the town. Stallion Ridge Exteriors is a service-area business based in Bethel, Connecticut.