Roofing loads refer to temporary and permanent forces pushing up and down on a roof. Just how much of a load a roofing system will be capable of handling will depend on how it is designed, however. As such, different roofs will have different load limits.
Types of Roofing Loads
Commonly, roofing systems deal with a variety of roofing loads at the same time. Types of roofing loads include:
- Dead Load – Basically the weight of a roofing structure, dead load includes all permanently attached components to a roof. This means at the very least a roofing system must be designed to support itself. Typically, dead loads for an asphalt shingle, wood-framed roof is around 15 pounds for every square foot.
- Live Load – Anything temporary on a roof is considered live load. For example, snow or people working on a roof and the roof repair equipment they are using. A roof must be able to support both dead and live loads, with the usual live load expected to be about 20 pounds for every square foot.
- Uplift Load – When wind hits a roofed structure, wind energy is dispersed down and up along exterior walls. Uplift load refers to the upward pressure exerted on a roof when the wind blows. Assuming maximum wind speeds of 90 miles per hour, the average uplift load is around 20 pounds per square foot. Most of this, however, will be countered by the downward push from a roof’s dead load.
Roofer Chicks® is your leading choice for quality commercial and residential roofing products and services. To learn more about our roof repair and replacement services and what we can do for you, just give us a call at (830) 214-2400 or fill out our contact form. Ask us for a FREE estimate today! We serve homes and businesses in New Braunfels, TX, and the surrounding communities.