Designing the 'best' roof system - How do you do it?

RoofYourWorld

Hey, guys.

I've got a commercial/industrial roofing background and would love to get a some residential opinions.

Obviously there is not a 'best' roof system because each system must be customized for the situation. What are some of the critical elements you make sure to include when creating the 'best' roof for your customers?

I wrote an article that outlines 4 critical things I'm always sure to address. What are yours???

-Eric

titanoman

Its up to the architect to illustrate options to the customer. I prefer to "cut and stack"; but nowadays they can design trusses for just about any scenario.
(I forgot to read the article).
In the end, nothing can replace hands on experience. An understanding of geometry doesn't hurt either.
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RoofYourWorld

Great input. I agree 100% with the 'hands on experience.'

Here is the article:

http://roofyourworld.com/bestroof/

titanoman

Thanks. I'm gonna go read it right now.

titanoman

Very good write up. A roof makes the house IMO. It's when the homeowner finally understands where all their money is going. This is their castle, and it better be right. As long as good communication has been maintained throughout, there won't be any surprises on anyones part.

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RoofYourWorld

Yea, the person who find a way to relate to the home/building owner that the roof is what protects the stuff on the inside is going to be one rich dude!

Can't tell how many times I had customers delay or postpone a roofing project so they could put in new carpet or machinery (only to do the roof a few months later after the new products were damaged by water)!

Thanks again for taking the time to read through the article. Your comments on the blog were excellent!

mae-ling

By design do you mean form (pretties) or function?

1. No roof designs where there is a slope terminating against a wall. Where is the water to go?

2. No valleys that come in front of a door way

3. Preferably no valleys, look pretty but are more apt to leak then a slope.

4. No low slopes , nothing less than 4/12

1985gt

Um its called a cricket.

Meh they are fine.

Only apt to leak if the "roofer" doesn't know how to do them properly, or just is plain lazy.

How would this work at all? I want to see someone build trusses that span 300'+ with no less then a 4/12 slope. Flat roofs are great, hack roofers who think they can install them are not. Even on the residential side not everyone wants a sloped roof. You would be more correct in saying no Shingles on a slope less then 4/12.

titanoman

You just eliminated must of the residential roofs in America.
"Crickets", or saddles, or Bastard pitches, should be kept out of sight, as they are ugly.
There are nothing wrong with valleys all around the front entry.
Valleys are attractive. The more the better.
Flat roofs suck.

You must not be a full-fledged carpenter. All good framers appreciate a cut-up roof. One that the lumber sales rep has no idea how to figure the lumber.
One that you want to "stick build" because trusses are more of a pain to work with than they are worth.

titanoman

I believe must comp manufacturers say no less than 3/12, depending if they are architectural or 3tab (ick).
And flat roofs belong on commercial IMO.
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1985gt

I'm sure its 3 or 4/12 Granted we do not do very many shingles.

As far as flat roofs belonging on commercial, yes that is just your opinion. We have done many many flat or low slope roofs on houses. Some large some small. Anywhere from small sq porches to million dollar homes with multiple levels of flat or low sloped.

titanoman

I agree. I've seen many multi-million dollar homes with flat roofs. It's like a Mediterrenien (however you spell that one) style, or Spanish or something

1985gt

To each their own. I personally would put slates or shakes on my home if it was 1 mil + but I think it would look silly on my tiny split level. :D Plus it not being built for shakes and all.

titanoman

I would never put comp on anything if I could afford it.

MJW

It's funny how no one has mentioned the direction the house will be facing. This use to be taken into account about 40 years ago, but not any more.