A variety of useful construction calculators created by Jack Gray, a roofing expert with over 25 years in the roofing industry.
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 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 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 …
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: 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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …