Preparing for a Roof Construction Project
By Mark J. Donovan
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Roofing construction requires a combination of brawn and skill. A good set of blueprints and the right tools also play a vital role in constructing a roof. Though framing a roof is a major undertaking, simpler roofing construction projects, such as roofing a shed, can be accomplished by a prepared do it yourself homeowner. Larger roof projects, such as roof construction for a home, should for the most part be handled by professionals simply due to the skill and strength required.
Roof Construction Safety and Preparation Safety is a top priority when it comes to roofing construction. |
Make sure when constructing a roof to wear appropriate clothing, use the right tools and safety equipment, and always keep the roof clear of litter and other debris that could cause trips and falls. You may also want to check your insurance policy to make sure it covers accidents such as falling off a roof.
| Roof Construction Tools
When constructing a roof, plan to wear a tool belt to avoid making frequent trips up and down the ladders. Make sure you include in your tool belt a tape measure, framing hammer, chalk line, a pencil or two, a combination square, and some assorted nails. In addition to a tool belt set, also have handy a framing square, a circular saw, ladders, saw horses, a level, a set of screw drivers and wrenches, tin snips, a nail set, hand saw, screw gun, a claw pry bar, and some clamps. |
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In addition, you may want to either purchase or buy an air compressor and nail gun. Also, depending upon the height of the roof, you may want to rent some scaffolding equipment.
Roofing Construction Materials
When it comes to roofing materials you first need to decide if you are going to stick build the roof, or use prefabricated roofing trusses. If using prefabricated roofing trusses you will need to order these well in advance for your specific roof construction requirements. If you stick build the roof you will need lumber for roof rafters, a ridge board, ceiling joists, and collar ties.
Whether stick building the roof or using roofing trusses, you will need to purchase roof sheathing such as plywood.
| In addition, you will need some 1xN finished board material and plywood for the soffits and rake edges of the roof. You will also need to purchase assorted nail sizes for fastening the roof together.
In addition to the roofing lumber, you will also need metal flashing, ridge and soffit vent material, drip edge, tarpaper, Ice and Water shield, asphalt shingles, metal flashing, caulk, and associated fasteners including roofing nails and staples. Once you have gathered your roof construction blueprints, and all of your roofing construction tools and materials you can begin the actual roof construction. |
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Related Information
Additional Framing Resources from Amazon.com
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