Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Roof Thickness
The roof pitch indicates how steep a roof is. A math equation can be done to determine its steepness. Rooftops are either pitched or flat. A pitched roof can provide an attic or loft space in a home.
Gaithersburg roofing FAQ: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a flat roof?A flat roof is usually used on commercial buildings and small structures, like an extension or a garage. Cost is one of the main advantages. Flat roofing material is usually more affordable than roofing material used on a pitched roof. A flat roof usually has a shorter lifespan than a pitched roof and can require more maintenance.
Gaithersburg roofing contractors know that the thickness of a home's roof will vary depending on the size of the home, the size of the rafters used and the thickness of the roofing material and of the sheathing.
Rafters play a vital role in determining how thick and how strong a rooftop will be. Factors such as the pitch as well as the roof's span will influence the size of the rafters that are used during construction. Most rafters vary in size from 2X4's to 2X12's. The larger the span of the roof and the lower its pitch, the bigger the rafters are that will be used.
Trusses are typically not as thick as rafters because they gain their support not from the girth of a single piece, but instead from the combined strength of multiple wood members working together to support a large load. The specifications provided by an engineer will influence the size of the trusses installed in a home. In most cases, trusses made from 2X4's will be as strong as 2X6 or 2X8 rafters.
Sheathing will increase the thickness and strength of a roof. It is usually made from 4x8 sheets of plywood or OSB. The sheathing is attached directly to the rafters or the trusses of the home's frame.
The roofing experts at Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Gaithersburg can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, windows or gutters.
When heavier roofing material such as metal or slate is used, an architect may replace the standard half inch thick sheathing for sheathing that is 5/8 of an inch thick or more.
The average three tab shingle is 3/16 of an inch thick. On their own, they do little to increase the thickness of a roof. However, when shingles are installed, they are overlapped. Other roofing materials such as cedar shakes, corrugated metal, slate and plastic polymers can increase the height of the roof by up to 2 inches.
Building codes are designed to restrict the amount of weight that can be put on a roofing structure. For example, in most communities it is prohibited to have more than two layers of shingles on a roof. This is to prevent the roofing structure from collapsing under the weight of the shingles.
When it is well built, a roofing structure can outlast the roofing material that is put on top of it. It can provide protection and support for the home for decades to come. It is recommended that homeowners periodically review the condition their roof and check for hidden damage.
