As a home or business owner, you might not even know that roof planning is actually the plan used to architecturally design and build your roof. Roof planning is critical because it sets roofing design and construction standards. Roof plans should be followed exactly to ensure that your roof is built correctly and safely.
If you’re looking to have a new roof installed or are simply curious about what goes into roof planning we’ll be covering it all today. And for those looking to remodel your home or business, a new roof plan might be just what you need.
WHAT IS A ROOF PLAN?
A roof plan is a two-dimensional drawing that illustrates the roof’s design. It contains all of the essential information for the roof, such as roof pitches, ridge heights, and roof loads. A roof plan should also show the location of doors and windows and any other features that will be included on the roof (chimneys, dormers, etc.)
The most important thing to remember about roof plans is that they are not just a pretty picture – they are meant to be used as a construction guide. All of the measurements and angles in a roof plan need to be followed precisely during construction, or your roof could end up looking completely different than what you intended.
WHO CREATES AND USES THE ROOF PLAN?
The roof plan is created by an architect or roofing contractor. The home or business owner will provide the architect with their requirements for the roof (such as desired roof pitch, style, and color), and then the architect will create a roof plan that meets those specifications.
The roof plan is used by both the builder and the homeowner during construction. The builder will use it to construct the roof according to the approved design, while the homeowner can use it as a reference to ensure that everything is being built exactly how they want it.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON ROOF PLAN MISTAKES?
Like any other type of plan, mistakes can be made when creating a roof plan. Here are some of the most common errors:
- Incorrect roof pitch
- Incorrect roof size
- Misplaced doors and windows
- Inaccurate roof loads
- Not including all required information
- Including incorrect measurements or angles
- Incorrectly labeled components
These mistakes can lead to several problems, such as a roof that’s not watertight or doesn’t meet building codes. It’s important to have a qualified architect create your roof plan to avoid these errors.
HOW CAN I MAKE SURE MY ROOF PLAN IS FOLLOWED CORRECTLY?
The best way to ensure that your roof plan is followed correctly is by working with a qualified contractor. They will be familiar with the standards outlined in the roof plan and ensure they are followed during construction. If you’re doing the work yourself, it’s important to read through the roof plan thoroughly and make sure that you understand all of the measurements and angles before beginning construction.
COMMON ROOF DESIGNS AND WHAT TO CONSIDER
Now that we’ve covered the basics of roof planning let’s take a look at some of the most common roof designs. When choosing a roof design for your home or business, there are several factors to consider, such as:
- The climate in your area
- The style of your home or building
- Your budget
- The type of roofing materials you want to use
Some of the most popular roof designs include gable roofs, hip roofs, and flat roofs.
GABLE ROOF
A gable roof is one of the most common roof designs and is characterized by its triangular shape. Gable roofs are best suited for areas with moderate weather conditions and can be made from various materials, such as shingles, metal, or tile.
HIP ROOF
A hip roof is similar to a gable roof, but it has four sides instead of two. Hip roofs are best suited for areas with high winds or heavy snowfall. They can also be made from various materials, but they are typically more expensive than gable roofs.
FLAT ROOFS
Flat roofs are exactly what they sound like – flat! They are most commonly used in commercial buildings and are not recommended for homes in areas with heavy rains or snowfall. Flat roofs are usually made from asphalt or tar and require regular maintenance to prevent leaks.
MIXES OF DIFFERENT TYPES
Some homes have a mix of different roof designs, such as a gable roof on the main part of the house and a hip roof on the porch or garage. This type of roof is becoming more popular, as it can be more cost-effective than installing two separate roofs.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING MATERIAL FOR YOUR DESIGN
Included in roof planning is making sure you pick the right roofing material for your home or business. Different roofing materials have different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research before deciding. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing a roofing material:
- The climate in your area: Certain roofing materials are better suited for certain climates. For example, metal roofs are a good choice for areas with high winds, while tile roofs work well in hot, dry climates.
- The style of your home or business: The roof should complement the overall style of the building. For instance, a traditional roofing material like asphalt shingles would be a good choice for a traditional home, while slate roofing would be more appropriate for a contemporary building.
- The budget: Roofing materials can vary in price, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.
ASPHALT ROOFING SHINGLES
Sloped roofs will most commonly be roofed with asphalt, tile, or metal roofing materials. Asphalt is the most common because it’s very affordable and has a fast install time. Asphalt roofing comes in various styles and colors, so you can find one that will complement your home or business. One downside to asphalt roofing is that it doesn’t hold up as well in cold climates, can become brittle in the winter, and doesn’t have a very long lifespan.
SLATE ROOFING TILES
Slate roofing tiles are a popular roofing choice for high-end homes and businesses. It’s a very durable roofing material that can last for 100+ years with proper maintenance. Slate roofing is also fire resistant and has a Class A fire rating, the highest rating possible. With all of these benefits, you might be wondering, “what’s the catch?”
Slate roofing is costly and takes an experienced team a very long time to install. Sometimes up to a week on larger roofs. Each piece of the roofing will need to be meticulously crafted to fit the specific place it’s being set on the roof.
METAL ROOFING
Metal roofing is a good choice for homes and businesses in areas with severe weather conditions. It’s very durable and can withstand high winds and hail. Metal roofing is also one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available and can help reduce your cooling costs in the summer.
Choosing metal roofing will also help you get the most out of your budget. In the past, metal roofing has been a costly material to install. But today, it’s very affordable and long-lasting. This makes it a great investment.
FLAT ROOFING MATERIALS
There are a few different types of roofing materials that can be used for flat roofs. The most popular options are asphalt, tar, and PVC roofing. All of these roofing materials have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
If you have a flat roof, you’ll likely need professional installation and upkeep every few years. They aren’t always “long-lasting” roofing solutions, but they provide protection for your building and have very affordable upkeep.
HIRE A TRUSTWORTHY CONTRACTOR TO HELP WITH YOUR ROOF PLAN
When you need to develop a roof plan for your home or business, contact the team at MARS Restoration. We’d love to help you choose the right roof style, material, and plan for the future of your roof.
Creating a successful roof plan is only half the journey. Getting a roofer you trust to do the work makes all the difference.
Contact Mars today and you’ll get the best.