A home or building roof is under a lot of pressure constantly. In order to stay structurally sound, it must be able to withstand temporary and permanent loads that are pushing downward and upward on it. The limit of the load your roof can support is dictated by its construction design. In this article, a reputable roof contractor discusses the different types of roofing loads and their importance to roof replacement projects.
- Dead Loads: The dead load refers to the weight of the roofing structure itself. It also includes any attached materials or structures on the roof. For instance, the dead load of a typical asphalt shingle roof with wood frames is approximately 15 pounds per square foot. This increases with the use of a heavier roofing material.
- Live Loads: The live load is the weight of any temporary item resting on the roof. This can pertain to snow, a roofer working on the roof or any equipment they carry with them. The roof must be able to support the total weight of its dead load and any anticipated live load. A traditional roof is expected to support a live load of 20 psf.
- Uplift Load: The upward movement of the wind exerts an uplift load on the roofing system. A well-designed roof must be able to hold out against this uplift. A typical uplift load limit manages a wind speed of about 90 miles per hour and expects a load of nearly 20 psf.
Calculating Loads
It is essential to determine the loads, both dead and live, to determine which roof framing members are suitable for the home or building you are designing. First, you should consult the minimum load-bearing requirements in your local building code. Then, you will determine the span of roof rafters. These numbers will help you find the lumber dimensions and wood species that are appropriate for the system.
Fields Roof Service, Inc. is a premier source of emergency roof leak repair and roof replacement services in Kent, WA. Our team is committed to providing a cozier and more pleasant interior space for your home or business through industry-leading products and expert installation skills. Call us today at (253) 852-4974 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.
