Your roof is designed to protect your home against all the elements and weather conditions, which is why it must be able to handle strong pressure that’s forced on it from all directions. In order to stay structurally sound, it must be able to withstand temporary and permanent loads that are pushing on it. Remember that the limit of the load your roof can support is dictated by its construction design. Here, we’ll discuss the types of roofing loads and their importance to roof replacement projects.
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Live Load: This is the weight of any temporary item resting on the roof, pertaining to snow, a roofer working on the roof, or any equipment they carry with them. The roof must be able to support the total weight of its dead load and any anticipated live load. It must be noted that a traditional roof is expected to support a live load of 20 per square foot.
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Uplift Load: This is the upward movement of the wind that exerts an uplift load on the roofing system. Keep in mind that a well-designed roof by a reputable roofing company must be able to hold out against this uplift. This load limit normally manages a wind speed of about 90 miles per hour and expects a load of nearly 20 per square foot.
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Dead Load: The dead load refers to the weight of the roofing structure itself. It includes any attached materials or structures on the roof. For instance, a dead load of a typical asphalt shingle roof with wood frames is approximately 15 pounds per square foot. This increases with the use of heavier roofing material.
Whether you’re interested in replacing your home’s windows or siding or simply need to repair or put new shingles on your roof, Winfield Builders are more than happy to discuss your needs with you. Call us today at (301) 329-8295 or take advantage of our convenient online request form and we will get in touch shortly after you fill it out. We serve clients in Annapolis, Columbia, and the surrounding areas of MD.