Jack Gray, RRO 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. …
Also see: Roof Cost Calculator 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 …
Also see: Roof Sheathing Quantity Calculator 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, …
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 a 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 …
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 probably repair a hole in an EPDM rubber roof yourself; EPDM rubber is one of the easiest roofing materials to repair properly. …
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 …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. What is Backer Rod? A backer rod is a cylindrical piece of foam material installed in a gap or joint between building materials to provide a substrate for building sealant. The backer rod ensures that the …
Also see: Paver Calculator: Estimate Material Quantities How Much Do Different Types of Pavers Weigh? The weight of a paver depends on the dimensions of the paver, the type of material used to make it, and the manufacturer’s formulation of that material. Stone pavers made from the same type of stone can also vary in …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain what a hip and valley factor is, show you the math, and give you a pretty comprehensive table where you can look up the hip and valley factors …
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 2×6 …
Also see: Roof Cost Calculator Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain the things that you have to account for when you come up with a PVC membrane roofing cost estimate. I’ll also give you the typical costs for various types of PVC membrane roofs in 2025. To learn more about PVC roofing in general, …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. What is Roof Drainage? “Roof drainage” refers to the system of components and design elements that are used to remove water from a roof and convey it away from a building to an appropriate discharge location. …
Introduction Update: I am now updating the table by using an AI model to analyze extensive publicly available construction cost data, including population data, consumer price data, labor & wage trends, material cost indices, regional construction indices, building permit records, and local market condition analysis, as well as my company’s private records relating to contractor …
Thermal Expansion Calculator This calculator uses the values presented in the thermal expansion table below. Thermal Expansion Calculator Thermal Expansion Calculator Estimate linear thermal expansion and new length from material, length, and temperature change. Type of Material: Choose the material so the correct coefficient of thermal expansion can be used. Material Length: Length unit feetinchesmetersmillimeters …
Also see: Roof Cost Calculator Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain the factors that determine TPO roofing costs. I’ll also give you the typical costs for various types of TPO membrane roofs in 2025. Read more about TPO roofing. Roof consultants will typically have to produce accurate roof replacement budget projections for their clients …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Also see: Roof Cost Calculator Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain the factors that determine EPDM roof costs. I’ll also give you the typical costs for various types of EPDM rubber membrane roofs in 2025. …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction: Degrees, Percentage, Standard Roof Pitch There are three basic ways to express roof slope. Roof slope can be given in degrees, as a percentage, or as a rise-in-run ratio (X-in-12), otherwise known as standard roof …
Also see: Roof Cost Calculator Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain the factors that determine asphalt shingle roof costs. I’ll also give you the typical costs for various types of asphalt shingle roofs in 2025. Keep in mind that the cost of any particular asphalt shingle roof will depend on several variables, including roof size, roof …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. What is a Roof Pitch Multiplier? A roof pitch multiplier, also called a roof pitch factor, is a number that you use to find the actual surface area of a pitched roof or the length of a common rafter. …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction The weight of snow is a vital piece of information. There are parts of the building code that are based on knowing how much additional weight a structure will need to support due to the …
Introduction: Natural Slate Colors Natural slate is a durable and beautiful stone roofing material that has been used for centuries. It is also one of the only purely natural roofing materials available. Slate rocks, so to speak. Among the most striking features of natural slate roofs are the naturally occurring color variations that provide an …
Also see: Roof Cost Calculator 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 slate roofs. I thought keeping (and updating) some fairly accurate slate roof cost estimates online would …
I participate in the Amazon affiliate program and may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page. Introduction Slate is a natural stone that has been used as a roofing material for centuries. It is prized for its beauty, performance, long service life, and minimal maintenance requirements. Slate roofing has long been considered …
Introduction Metal roofing is a very large category. There are more metal roofing products available than there are for any other type of roofing material. Metal roof panels are made in many different sizes, from many different metals, with many different panel profiles, with many different coatings, for use in many different situations. In this …
Introduction Selecting the right roofing contractor is very important. A new roof is a big investment, a roof replacement project can be an ordeal, and deciding which roofing contractor to hire can be hard. If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t know much about the technical aspects of a roof installation, or how to tell …
Introduction Metal roofing is an attractive roofing option. It looks great. It can be recycled. It’s lightweight. Metal panels can each provide the same coverage as dozens of shingles and they can weigh as little as 70 pounds per square (100 square feet). Compare this to a clay tile roof that can weigh more than 1,000 …
Also see: Roof Cost Calculator Introduction This article should give you a pretty accurate idea of what the typical total installed cost will be for various types of modified bitumen roofs in 2025. You should be aware that the cost of any individual modified bitumen roof will depend on several variables, including roof size, roof complexity, local …
Also see: Roof Cost Calculator Introduction In this article, I’m going to explain the factors that determine cedar roof costs. I’ll also give you the typical costs for various types of cedar shingle and shake roofs in 2025. Keep in mind that the final cost of any particular cedar shingle roof will depend on several variables, …
This article covers traditional asphalt roll roofing. Introduction There’s an old joke that contractors like to tell: “Good, fast, cheap — you can only pick two!” This is one of those jokes that contains much wisdom and actually expresses a deep, abiding truth about the world. I even saw it on a bumper sticker once. …