For roofs to stay in good condition, they should be able to handle loads that are both pushing downward and upward on them. How much your roof can handle depends on its design. However, most roofs are made to withstand common loads like the weight of people who are working on them.
Keep on reading to learn more about different kinds of roofing loads.
Dead Load
The weight of the roof structure itself is called the dead load. Any permanently attached materials or structures on the roof are also considered dead loads. This load increases the heavier the roofing material is.
Live Load
Live loads refer to the weight of all temporary objects on the roof. It can come from those who are working on the roof and the equipment they are using. A roof must be able to withstand the sum of its dead load and any anticipated live load. It means that commercial and residential roofing contractors should design roofs with a load limit that factors in both of these loads. A standard roof is usually able to handle a live load of 20 per square feet (psf), which is the minimum live load aside from the dead load that the roof should endure.
Uplift Load
The wind’s energy spreads upward and downward along the wall when the wind crosses the exterior wall of a building. Your roof should be able to withstand the upward movement of the wind that exerts an uplift load. A roof’s downward-pushing dead load usually resists this load.
Whether you’re planning a roof replacement or new roof construction project, hiring the right contractor is essential. Turn to The Roofing Company for superior roof installation services. Call us at (970) 887-0104, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate. We work with clients in Granby and areas around Colorado.