Apart from the elements such as wind, sunlight and rain, your roof should also be able to withstand the constant pressure that’s pushing on it from all directions. Certain roofs can handle specific loads according to their design. To understand roof load limits better, this article from residential roofing contractor M&A Exterior Home Improvement discusses the different types of roofing loads.
Dead loads pertain to the weight of the roofing structure along with the permanent components of the residential property. Dead loads also include the weight of the construction materials. This is why roofs should be designed to support their own weight. Roof loads are measured by pounds per square foot. The dead load of asphalt shingle roofs with wooden frames is usually 15 pounds per square foot (psf).
Heavier residential roofing materials such as clay and slate have dead loads that reach up to 27 psf.
The weight of temporary objects on the roof is referred to as the live load. Live loads include the roofing crew and the equipment and tools they bring with them. A roof must be able to support both its dead load and live load at any given time. Needless to say, a roof should be designed to support not only its own weight, but also any anticipated live load.
Basically, when a breeze hits the exterior of a building, the wind disperses pressure along the wall. When this happens, the wind also exerts an upward force on the roof which the roof must then be able to resist. Most of the uplift load can be stabilized by the dead load of the roof.
Roof repair, installation, and replacement services are complex processes that require the skill and expertise of professionals. Whatever your roofing needs are, M&A Exterior Home Improvement has got you covered. Call us today at (757) 779-5244 for a free quote. We serve Virginia Beach, VA.