Your roof is under constant pressure. It may not seem like it but, to stay in place, it has to withstand loads, both permanent and temporary. The amount of load or pressure that a roof is able to take depends on its design. This is why it is very important to have a basic understanding of roof loads before undertaking a roof replacement or installation project.
Dead Loads
Roofs are designed to support their own weight. According to the U.S. Department of Housing, the dead load of a roof is the weight of the roof itself, as well as any permanently attached materials or structures on it. The load of a roof is measured by pounds per square foot. To give you an idea, a typical asphalt shingle roof will have a dead load of about 15 pounds per square foot while a heavier clay tile roof can have a dead load of as much as 27 pounds per square foot.
Live Loads
Live loads are the weight of temporary objects on your commercial or residential roofing system. For instance, if you have workers on your roof, their weight plus the weight of any tools and equipment they carry are considered live loads. Needless to say, your roof should be designed so that it supports its own weight, as well as any anticipated live loads.
Uplift Loads
As the name suggests, uplift loads are the upward force that the wind may exert on your roof. When a breeze hits the side of your home, it disperses along the exterior wall and will send wind towards the underside of your roof. Your roof must be able to resist this upward force.
From routine maintenance to emergency storm damage roof repair, you can count on 4U Roofing to be with you every step of the way. For all your roof-related needs, feel free to give us a call at (251) 235-2222 or fill out our contact form to speak to one of our experts.
