Jack Gray 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 …
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 weight somewhat depending on which quarry the …
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 …
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, please see my introductory …
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. …