How to build a roof
Aroof is much more than just the decorative top of a building. A roof provides protection from the elements and precipitation, helps drain water away from a structure, and provides insulation that helps keep the interior of a building warm or cool, depending on the season. There are several types of roofs, but the best one for your needs will depend on the structure, the climate, and the amount and type of precipitation you receive. Regardless of the type of roof you want to build, safety should always be a priority, as roofing work can be dangerous, and fall equipment should always be used.
Choosing a style and materials
Choose your roof style: There are hundreds of roof types out there, and they are all suitable for different purposes and allow for different materials. The two major categories of roof are flat and pitched, and one of the main things that will determine the actual style of roof you need is the shape of the building. It will be much more difficult to build a round roof onto a square building, for instance, so allow the shape of the structure to guide you. Some of the most common roof styles are:
Gable roof: This looks like an inverted V, and is the easiest and most popular roof style in North America. There are also several variations on the gable roof that are designed for buildings that aren’t simple rectangles, including the saltbox roof, which is suited to join walls that are different heights.
Flat roof: These roofs are mostly flat, but usually have a bit of a slope. As such, they allow for outdoor living gardens or a living space on top.
Hip and pyramid roofs: As the name suggests, a pyramid roof is a roof in the shape of a pyramid and is designed for a square building. A hip roof uses the same basic shape, but is elongated and is designed for a rectangular building.
Gambrel roof: This is also known as the barn roof, as this style is often used on barns. This roof style maximises the amount of usable space in the attic or top floor.
Shed roof: This is a flat roof style with a greater slope, and is most common on sheds, porches, and home additions.
Consider your climate: Different types of roofs are more suitable for certain climates, so it’s important to know a few of these things before deciding what kind of roof to build. Not only should you consider how hot or how cold it gets, but also how much precipitation you receive.
Gable roofs are not suitable for areas with high winds, while the hip roof is much sturdier in high winds.
Flat roofs are practical in hot, dry climates, but not areas that receive high amounts of precipitation.
There are many types of pitched roofs, and these are more suitable for climates that receive more precipitation. The amount of snow and rain you receive will help you determine the actual pitch of the roof.
In temperate climates that see all four seasons and snow, the simplest pitch roofs are the best, as there are fewer places where leaves and needles can get stuck, and they allow snow and rain to run off easily.
Choose your materials: There are many types of roofs, and each roof can be made in various ways with different materials. However, some styles are more conducive to certain materials, while other styles don’t allow for specific materials.
For pitched roofs, the truss (the framework) can be made of wood or metal, and the outside can have wood or asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, or metal sheeting.The type of truss you build will be suited for different weights, which may help you determine the exterior materials you use.
For flat roofs, you can use asphalt, metal, fiberglass, or poly-vinyl as the exterior, but shingles won’t work.
Algae-resistant asphalt shingles are suitable for humid climates, while clay tiles are popular in arid climates. Areas that receive heavy snowfall must have strong roofs built with durable materials, and metal or asphalt shingles are the most common exterior materials.
Consider the location: Building a roof under an old tree may not be ideal if any heavy branches are liable to come down on it. Drainage is another thing to consider, because roofs should be equipped with a way to drain precipitation, and you don’t want the run-off running right into your yard or a neighbor’s yard. If you live in a neighborhood where the houses are built close together, you might need to build a roof with a smaller eave than you would otherwise.