Proper Flat Roof Installation

Start at the highest point and the furthest point from the trash container and take off all the old shingles flashing.

Proper flat roof installation.

If you come across any large nails that are sticking out either remove them and put them in your debris container or. On two sides the roof abuts a parapet a short wall common around flat roofs as well as a wall for the third floor. All roof areas shall be designed and installed to drain without holding water on the roof surface. Codes also recognize the challenges to meet this criterion in reroofing of existing buildings.

This will give additional stability to the roof structure. Model building codes and good roofing practice have established a minimum slope for roofs at 1 4 12 running inches. However those layers make the roof very heavy. To keep water from pooling at these inside corners tom rips 2x4s lengthwise on a 45 degree bevel with a table saw.

From there the flat roof system you choose will determine the materials you apply. Work up from the initial row starting at the lower corner in a diagonal pattern staggering the shingles to prevent gaps. If your home already has a built up roof then replacing it with another built up roof is a good idea. Here the rubber roof will need to run up the walls and glue to the sheathing.

Most metal shingles will be attached to the roof using metal shingle. First focus on removing the oldest shingles that are sticking out as well as any flashing or vents. Install the drip edge on the gable ends of the roof after you finish installing your underlayment. If you need to reposition your gutters do so at this.

Use a tin snips to cut the drip edge to size. Trusses or rafters should be shimmed as necessary to provide a level nailing surface. If the top chords of trusses or rafters are warped or bowed install blocking to straighten. The basic construction of a flat roof starts with roofing timber that is laid across two upright items usually two walls.

Then remove the rest of the roof including all the shingles. For additional stability you can also use steel joists that are built into one or both of the walls. This can be done with a straight piece of lumber 6 feet to 10 feet long or a long carpenter s level. Start at the bottom side of the gable and overlap the sections of drip edge a few inches as you work your way up the roof see figure a.

Built up flat roofs are very sturdy because they have so many layers. Underneath the basics flat roofs are usually constructed with a ceiling nailed to joists which support a deck usually wood in residential construction a vapor barrier insulation and a roof board.