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Roofing Construction Introduction
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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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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.
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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.
For a comprehensive new home construction
checklist, see my
New Home Construction Bid Sheet. The New Home Construction Bid
Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to
prospective building contractors. It also includes a comprehensive new home
construction cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the
contractor to include his projected new home construction costs for every phase
of the project.
How to Finance your New Home Construction Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Roof Framing and
Construction Information
Additional New Home Construction and House
Framing Resources
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Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on custom home building from one of our prescreened and licensed custom home
builders. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you
receive your custom home building price estimate.
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