Top Considerations When Determining Roof Thickness

Your roofing must be structurally sound in order to effectively protect your home against the elements. Furthermore, a crucial part of its structural soundness is its thickness. That said, your roof should have the right thickness for it to be efficient in serving its purpose.

Roof thickness is mainly based on the size of the rafters. However, there are also other components that help determine the appropriate roof thickness. CQ Construction & Roofing, a roof inspection and roof installation expert, discusses them below.

Rafters

Varying in size and thickness, rafters are the structural beams that support the weight of the shingles and the roof sheathing. The standard size for rafters ranges from 2×4 to 2×12. Larger rafters are generally used for lower-pitch roofs.

Roof Sheathing

Roof sheathing typically consists of 4×8 sheets of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), and its standard thickness is 1/2 inch. If you have slate, concrete, or tile shingles, engineers or architects may require roofing contractors to use a 5/8-inch roof sheathing.

Trusses

Trusses are engineered from multiple wood members, and they’re not as thick as rafters. The dimensions of the trusses usually depend on the engineer’s specifications for the roof.

Shingles

This refers to the material and weight of your shingles. Asphalt shingles, for instance, add little thickness to the roof. However, you should consider that these shingles typically overlap when installed, doubling the thickness. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are generally thinner. But since they are often corrugated or built with a standing seam, the roof height tends to increase by 1-2 inches.

CQ Construction & Roofing provides a range of services including roof replacement and roof repair among others. With our extensive experience in the roofing industry, we can assure you of first-rate results. Call us at (850) 683-4169 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve customers in Fort Walton Beach, FL.