Jack Gray Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Virginia in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years reviewing contractor bids and researching roofing costs for my clients. The roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Virginia labor costs, …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in New Jersey in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years reviewing contractor bids and researching roofing costs for my clients. The roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, New Jersey …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for replacing a roof in the U.S. in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years approving contractor bids and researching roofing costs around the country for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, regional …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Michigan in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Michigan labor costs, and other relevant factors, including …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in North Carolina in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, North Carolina labor costs, and other relevant …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Georgia in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Georgia labor costs, and other relevant …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Ohio in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Ohio labor costs, and other relevant …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Illinois in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Illinois labor costs, and other relevant …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Pennsylvania in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Pennsylvania labor costs, and other relevant …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in New York State in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, New York labor costs, …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in California in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, California labor rates, and other relevant …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Florida in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent decades researching roofing costs, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Florida labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Texas in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent decades researching roofing costs, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Texas labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Connecticut in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent decades researching roofing costs, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Connecticut labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing …
Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain the factors that determine clay and concrete tile roof costs. I’ll also give you the typical costs for various types of tile roofs in 2025. Keep in mind that the cost of any particular tile roof will depend on several variables, including roof size, roof pitch, roof complexity, …
Introduction In this article, I’m going to give you a list of the best American metal roofing manufacturers based on: The focus here is on companies that manufacture steel and aluminum roof systems. Over 90% of metal roofing is made from steel or aluminum, with steel products alone making up over 80%. Copper, zinc, and stainless …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for various types of metal roofs in 2025, including exposed fastener panels, standing seam panels, flat seam panels, and metal shingles. I’ll also explain the factors that determine metal roof costs. Keep in mind that the cost of any particular metal roof will depend on …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The slope of your roof affects how well it sheds rain, snow, and debris, and determines which roofing materials are appropriate and code-compliant. This article explains the minimum roof pitch for single-ply membrane roofing systems, including EPDM, PVC, …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The slope of your roof affects how well it sheds rain, snow, and debris, and it determines what types of roofing materials are appropriate and are allowed by the building code. This article explains what …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The slope of your roof affects how well it sheds rain, snow, and debris, and determines what types of roofing materials are appropriate and allowed by the building code. This article explains what the minimum …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The slope of your roof affects how well it sheds rain, snow, and debris, and determines what types of roofing materials are appropriate and allowed by the building code. This article explains what the minimum …
Geotextiles: Introduction Geotextiles are permeable synthetic fabrics used in a wide range of construction, civil engineering, and landscaping applications. Commonly made from durable polymers like polypropylene or polyester, geotextiles are engineered to serve one or more of the following functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration, and drainage. Originally developed for large-scale infrastructure projects such as roadways, retaining …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The slope of your roof affects how well it sheds rain, snow, and debris, and determines what types of roofing materials are appropriate and can be legally installed. This article explains what the minimum roof …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The slope of your roof affects how well your roof sheds rain, snow, and debris and determines what types of roofing materials are appropriate and can be legally installed. This article explains what the minimum …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The slope of your roof affects how well it sheds rain, snow, and debris, and determines what types of roofing materials are appropriate and can be legally installed. This article explains what the minimum roof pitch is …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The pitch, or slope, of your roof affects how well your roof sheds rain, snow, and debris and determines what types of roofing materials are appropriate and can be legally installed. This article explains what …
Introduction In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for various types of shingle roofs in 2025, including asphalt, wood, metal, synthetic, and slate shingles. I’ll also explain the factors that determine shingle roof costs. Keep in mind that the cost of any particular shingle roof will depend on several variables, including roof size, …
Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain the factors that determine single-ply roofing costs. I’ll also give you the typical installed costs in 2025 for EPDM, TPO, PVC, and PVC KEE single-ply membrane roof systems (almost all single-ply systems use one of these membrane types). Roof consultants typically have to produce accurate roof replacement …
Introduction I’ve done a lot of research on roof replacement costs for my clients over the years, and I stay current with changes in material and labor pricing across a wide range of roofing systems, including spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing. I thought putting together an accurate, regularly updated table of SPF roofing cost estimates …
Introduction I’ve done a lot of research on roof replacement costs for my clients over the years, and I keep up-to-date with changing material and labor costs for all kinds of roofing, including standing seam metal roofs. I thought keeping an accurate, updated table of standing seam roofing cost estimates online would be a helpful …
Introduction I’ve done a lot of research on roof replacement costs for my clients over the years, and I still do. I keep up-to-date with changing material and labor costs for all kinds of roofing, including steel roofs. I thought keeping an accurate, updated table of steel roofing cost estimates online would be a helpful …
Introduction I’m a professional roof consultant, and I’ve spent a lot of time researching roof replacement costs for my clients. This means I keep up-to-date with changing material and labor costs for all kinds of roofing, including aluminum roofs. I thought keeping (and regularly updating) accurate aluminum roof cost estimates online would be a helpful …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The eight sealant/substrate compatibility charts presented here are organized by substrate material type and cross-reference 15 types of sealants. The tables show which types of sealants are compatible with various common building materials. The tables …
Introduction For a detailed introduction to the concept of R-value, see my introduction to R-value. The R-value chart that I put together here provides typical building insulation R-values, the R-value of roofing materials like shingles and single-ply membranes (roof covering materials), as well as other building materials. I provide RSI values as well. These R-values were taken …
Introduction When two different metals come into contact in the presence of moisture, they can form a simple electrochemical cell, creating a situation where one metal begins to corrode more rapidly than it would on its own. This process is called galvanic corrosion, and it can lead to unexpected material failures if the designer or installer …
Introduction If you’re researching roofing materials or planning a roofing project, manufacturer websites are one of the most useful resources available. They offer detailed product data, pictures, specifications, installation guides, warranty information, and often additional guidance and advice regarding code compliance, energy efficiency, and application suitability. Exploring these sites can help you get a sense …
Introduction Several spray-on “asphalt shingle rejuvenator” products have hit the roofing market in the past several years, promising to extend the life of aging roofs at a fraction of the cost of replacement. These asphalt shingle roof rejuvenation products are often marketed as miracle solutions: restoring oils in dried-out shingles, reviving flexibility, stopping granule loss, and …
Introduction I’ve been calculating roof areas for real buildings for over 20 years. Getting accurate roof measurements is important when you bill clients based on square footage, which we did for roof maintenance programs and roof condition assessments. Being able to measure a roof with Google Earth was a huge improvement. Before Google Earth came …
Introduction If you’re trying to compare asphalt shingles from different manufacturers, you’re probably seeing a confusing mess of brand names, shingle lines, warranty terms, and product tiers. It can be hard to figure out which line of shingles from one manufacturer is the equivalent of which line of shingles from another manufacturer. The information here …
Introduction This article gives step-by-step instructions to help you see a satellite image of your house (or any building with an address, really) using Google Earth. It’s pretty easy. Note: You cannot see a live satellite view of your house in real time for free on the internet. You just can’t. To do that, you …
What Is a Barrel Roof? A barrel roof is a curved roof that resembles the top half of a cylinder or a barrel laid horizontally. Instead of sloping flat planes like a gable roof, a barrel roof has a continuous, smooth arc from one side of the structure to the other. This curvature can span the …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction This calculator works for both saltbox roofs and asymmetrical gable roofs. These two roof types share enough geometric similarities that the same tool can calculate dimensions, surface areas, and attic volumes accurately for either type. What Is a …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. What Is a Gable Roof? A gable roof is a very common type of roof. Gable roofs have two sloping sides that rise to meet at a central ridge, creating a distinctive triangular shape on each end of the …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. What Is a Hip Roof? A hip roof is a type of roof where all sides slope downward from a central ridge (or apex, for a pyramid hip roof) with no vertical gable ends. It typically has four sloping …
Introduction A hip roof has less attic volume than a gable roof, and in this article I explain why it’s less and how much less it is. Homeowners and builders should care about the difference in attic volume between hip and gable roofs because it directly affects usable attic space, insulation needs, ventilation requirements, and …
What Is a Pyramid Roof? A pyramid roof is a type of hip roof where all four sides slope upward and meet at a single point, forming a shape that resembles a pyramid. The hips on a typical hip roof rise to meet at the ridge, with the two hips on one end meeting each other at the ridge, …
Introduction Sometimes people email me out of the blue asking for roofing advice (and I try to respond if I have time to give them a proper answer). These emails are usually about the best product for this, the right way to do that, what’s causing this leak, whether the price they got from a …
Introduction Sheet zinc is a relatively long-lasting and naturally corrosion-resistant metal product widely used in architectural, construction, and industrial applications. When alloyed with small amounts of titanium and copper, zinc becomes malleable and strong enough for bending and shaping into structured profiles using forming machines or manual forming techniques, without significant cracking or loss of …
Introduction I’ve spent a lot of time researching roof replacement costs for my clients. I’ve had to keep up-to-date with roofing material and labor costs for years. I thought keeping and updating accurate zinc roof cost estimates online (among other roof material types) would be a helpful resource for me, my clients, and homeowners in …
Introduction Have you ever heard someone refer to, for example, a “6 in 12” roof pitch, but you weren’t sure what exactly a 6 in 12 roof pitch actually looks like? This interactive roof pitch visualizer lets you instantly see how different roof pitches look from any angle. You can compare how different roof pitches …
How Much Does the Average 2×4 Weigh? 2×4 weight is the product of a few different factors (see the next section). There is no single correct answer to the question. But just for fun, we’ll try to come up with the answer that has the highest chance of being correct for any randomly selected 2×4 …
Introduction Conical roofs are distinctive roofing structures shaped like a cone. A cone-shaped roof is circular at its base and terminates in a point or sometimes a finial of some sort. They are often used on towers, turrets, gazebos, and small pavilions. Cone roofs are often a feature on Victorian/Queen Anne-style homes. The surface area of most roofs …
Introduction There are several types of domes used as roofing features on buildings. Spherical domes are the most common. They have a uniform curvature and efficient load distribution. Ellipsoidal domes, which are shaped from a segment of an ellipsoid, are somewhat less common but frequently used in large-span structures where a lower height is desired. …
Introduction Sheet copper is a durable, highly malleable, and attractive metal product used extensively in architectural, construction, and industrial applications. It has excellent corrosion resistance and impressive longevity, and it’s easy to work with. In construction, copper is often used for roofing, flashing, gutters, decorative elements, and lightning mitigation. In typical roofing applications, the copper …
Introduction Sheet lead is a heavy, highly workable material, used in a variety of building applications, as well as for soundproofing and radiation shielding. In roofing, lead is commonly used for flashing at chimneys, vents, valleys, and structural joints. Common thicknesses for lead sheet used in roofing range from around 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch. …
Introduction I’m a professional roof consultant, and I’ve spent a lot of time researching roof replacement costs for my clients. This means I keep up-to-date with changing material and labor costs for all kinds of roofing, including copper roofs. I thought keeping (and regularly updating) accurate copper roof cost estimates online would be a helpful …
What is Plywood? Plywood is an engineered wood product made from thin layers, or plies, of wood veneer glued together. Each layer’s grain is typically oriented perpendicular to adjacent layers, which enhances strength, stability, and resistance to warping. Common subcategories of plywood include structural plywood, sheathing plywood, marine plywood, hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, and specialty …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction I was at a Fourth of July party, talking to my friend’s cousin, and when he found out what I did for a living he told me about a problem he was having with his …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. EIFS Cladding Systems Overview “EIFS” stands for “Exterior Insulation and Finishing Systems” and it’s an extremely popular exterior wall covering for both commercial and multi-family residential construction. EIFS (commonly pronounced “EEFS” or “EEF-ess“) was first used …
Introduction If you’re responsible for a roof, you may be thinking about using a roof coating to make your roof last longer. I was a roof consultant advising corporate and institutional clients for over 20 years. My company managed their roof assets; we recommended strategies and actions that would maximize the value of those roof …
Introduction R-value is critical attribute of low-slope roofing with above-deck insulation where the roof is a part of the building’s thermal envelope. The code-required roof R-value guides the selection of the type of insulation to be used, the amount of insulation, and the installation method of the insulation. A good understanding of R-value will help …
Lumber Production Why is a two-by-four called a “two-by-four” if it’s not actually two inches by four inches? Well, when a board is first milled from a log, that green piece of lumber, after that first rough cut, actually does have the approximate width and depth (the nominal lumber dimensions) by which the piece will …
Introduction You should always confirm that a roofing contractor has a valid license to do business in your area before you even think about hiring them to work on your roof. Any legitimate roofing contractor will be perfectly happy to provide you with his license ID number. You can then check his license online on …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction A missing asphalt shingle might seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to serious roof damage if it isn’t fixed. A missing shingle exposes the underlayment and sheathing to water, increasing the risk …
Introduction Modified bitumen roofing has been used on low-slope (“flat”) roofs for over fifty years. It’s known for being thicker and tougher than the prevailing single-ply membranes that dominate the low-slope roofing market today. Unlike built-up roofing (BUR), another bitumen-based roof system, modified bitumen roofing has kept a good-sized share of the commercial roofing market …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials worldwide due to its strength, durability, and exceptional versatility. There are several different types of concrete, and different types of concrete can have different densities, …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction I put this web page together to make it easier to find sections of the building code that deal with roofing, especially if they aren’t in an obvious place like “Chapter 9 – Roof Assemblies”, …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction I put this web page together to make it easier to find sections of the building code that deal with roofing, especially if they aren’t in an obvious place like “Chapter 15 – Roof Assemblies …
Introduction First of all, I’d like to point out that a roof covering (roof system) is not considered a structural building component, so you tend to have more leeway and less code detail when it comes to roofs than with most other parts of a building. The roofing sections of the building code will even …
Water Weight Calculator (by Unit of Volume & Temperature) Note that water is at maximum density (or weight per unit of volume) at 39.2°F/4.0°C. The weight of water is usually given for water at maximum density by default, but we are using room temperature (70°F) as the default setting. If you select a temperature other …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Weight of Metal vs. Density of Metal We’re dealing with three related concepts here: mass, density, and weight. Mass is the amount of matter something has. Density describes the amount of a specific material (matter) that …
Introduction Roof blisters are a common but often misunderstood issue in various roof systems, including built-up, modified bitumen, and asphalt shingle roofs. These raised pockets form due to trapped air, moisture, or volatile gases within the roofing materials. While some blisters remain stable and do not immediately compromise the integrity of the roof, others can …
Introduction The following table provides the typical expected useful service life durations for every type of primary roofing material and all roof systems you’ll be likely to run across (figuratively, don’t actually run across a roof). I have also included the typical maximum warranty lengths for each. Roof warranty terms and limitations can be tricky, …
Introduction Rooftop equipment screens are more than just an architectural afterthought – they serve essential roles in protecting and concealing rooftop mechanical systems. Exposed rooftop equipment is generally an eyesore; equipment screens can give the building a consistent, not unpleasant appearance. If you’re a building owner, architect, contractor, or facility manager, some understanding of equipment …
Introduction I was responsible for maintenance and leak response for several commercial coal tar pitch roofs in Texas that were part of my company’s roof management portfolio for many years. I was also the roof observer on several very large roof replacement projects where coal tar pitch roofs were removed and replaced. I did a …
Introduction Hypalon is a somewhat unique single-ply roofing membrane material that used to be installed on commercial low-slope roofs. “Hypalon” is a brand name used by DuPont for chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), a type of synthetic rubber; sheets of CSPE were joined together to form the finished roof membrane. CSPE roof membranes are known for their …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction When you’re dealing with roofs, material weights are always a concern. Especially if a contractor is trying to get you to let him to store materials on the roof. You want to avoid overloading. I …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction This drip edge quantity calculator is a tool designed to help you accurately estimate the amount of drip edge material you need for your roofing project. It takes into account roof perimeter length, the length …
What is a Roof Scupper? The International Building Code defines a roof scupper as “an opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.” Roof scuppers are occasionally referred to as “roof scupper drains” or just “scupper drains,” for obvious reasons. Scuppers do drain the roof, but it is incorrect …
Best Roof Repair Tapes for Sealing Leaks on RV Roofs, Metal Roofs, and Flat Roofs on Buildings I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction Roof repair tape, also known as roof sealant tape, is a really surprisingly good way to fix a …
Introduction Knowing material weights is extremely important when you’re planning on putting things on a roof. You have to avoid loads that exceed the design strength of the roof and the roof’s supporting structure. I thought it would be helpful to have an easy way to look up the weight of 4×4 lumber, so here …
Introduction An impressive majority of all new commercial roof installations today use a single-ply roofing system. (We’re talking about flat roofs, of course. A single-ply membrane is almost never appropriate for a pitched roof. And a flat roof is more correctly called a “low-slope roof,” by the way.) Single-ply membranes have gradually gained popularity and …
2×10 Lumber Weight Calculator This calculator uses the lumber weight values presented in the table below. 2×10 Lumber Weight Calculator 2×10 Lumber Weight Calculator Select Wood Type: 2×10 Board Length: Feet: Inches: Number of Boards: Calculate Weight Results Clear Calculator For the weights of lumber with different dimensions, see my Dimensional Lumber Weight article. 2×10 Weight Factors …
Introduction This is a list of the types of wall copings and coping materials commonly found in wall construction today. I provide basic information about each type of coping material including attachment method (how the coping is attached to the wall), joint closure method (how the joints between the pieces of coping are made weatherproof), …
What is Coping in Roof Construction? Wall coping serves as a protective cap or cover on the top of a wall, designed to prevent water infiltration from above. Coping is typically slanted or curved in order to shed water, reducing the likelihood of moisture penetration that could lead to wall degradation or damage to the …
Introduction Knowing material weights is extremely important when you’re modifying or adding things to a roof. You have to avoid structural loads that exceed the design strength of the roof and the roof’s supporting structure. I thought it would be helpful to have an easy way to look up the weight of 4×6 lumber, so …
Introduction Knowing material weights is extremely important when you’re planning on putting things on a roof. You have to avoid structural loads that exceed the design strength of the roof and the roof’s supporting structure. I thought it would be helpful to have an easy way to look up the weight of 2×12 lumber, so …
2×8 Lumber Weight Calculator This calculator uses the weight values I used in the full table below. 2×8 Lumber Weight Calculator 2×8 Lumber Weight Calculator Select Wood Type: 2×8 Board Length: Feet: Inches: Number of Boards: Calculate Weight Results Clear Calculator For the weights of lumber with different dimensions, see my Dimensional Lumber Weight article. …
Introduction A pitch pocket (or pitch pan) is a type of roof flashing used to seal small or irregular roof penetrations. Pitch pans are very common on low-slope roofs. Pitch pockets look like boxes, rings, or cylinders made out of sheet metal (normally galvanized steel) or a pre-molded polymer. Although they are usually open at …
This page is a reformatted version of the July 1931 revision of “Weights of Various Woods Grown in the United States, Technical Note Number 218” by the Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin (United States Forest Service). Weights of Various Woods Grown in the United StatesTechnical Note Number 218Forest Products LaboratoryMadison, WisconsinUnited States Forest ServiceRevised: July …
Introduction Knowing material weights is extremely important when you’re planning on putting things on top of a roof. You have to avoid structural loads that exceed the design strength of the roof and the roof’s supporting structure. I thought it would be helpful to have an easy way to look up the weight of 6×6 …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. What are Roof Nail Pops? Roof nail pops, also called “backed-out nails,” are a type of roof defect where the roofing nails which secure the shingles have been forced back and out of the roof sheathing …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to patch a rubber roof. You can repair an EPDM rubber roof yourself. EPDM rubber is one of the easiest roofing materials to repair properly. Always follow roofing safety guidelines when …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Tilt-Up Construction Overview Tilt-up construction is a building method where large reinforced structural concrete panels are cast on site, then tilted up vertically and secured to form the building’s walls. Although the first documented use of …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction This article provides general information about various types of roof coatings. In addition to drawing on my own personal experience overseeing roof coating projects, I compiled much of the technical information here from a wide …
Introduction PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing is a type of flat or “low slope” roofing system widely used in commercial and industrial building construction. PVC roofing systems were introduced in the late 1960s, and after they had some initial issues resolved in the 80s, they now have a record of proven performance going back almost 40 …
Introduction When I was managing roof maintenance programs for commercial properties in Chicago, every once in a while a property manager would express concern that the snow building up on her commercial low-slope roofs would melt all at once and the roofs’ storm drainage systems wouldn’t be able to handle it. It seems like it would be …
What is Dimensional Lumber? Dimensional lumber is simply lumber that is produced with standardized dimensions. Standardized lumber dimensions such as “2 x 4” allow for a multitude of efficiencies in construction. Subcategories of dimensional lumber include appearance framing lumber, beams, joists, light framing lumber, planks, posts, stringers, structural light framing lumber, studs, and timbers. The lumber …
Introduction If you’re getting ready to have a new roof installed, you’re probably doing some research about the roof replacement process right about now. A new roof is a substantial investment, kind of like a car. And just like when you’re buying a car, when you’re paying for a roof replacement you want to know …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction I spent years managing a very large portfolio of commercial roofs for a well known roof consultant firm. (Well-known in the industry, it’s not like we were celebrity roof consultants or anything). Our clients included …