Building a Rooftop

Framing

• The first step in building a rooftop is generally the construction of the roofing frame. The roofing frame is the part of the roof you do not normally see once the roofing material has been attached. It is the underneath support upon which the rest of the roof is constructed. The frame consists of trusses that are generally made of wood, but they may also be made of steel, such as in various types of commercial building projects.

Underlayment

• Once the frame is in place, the roof-building process requires you to put down an underlayment. The underlayment is the part of roof upon which the outer roofing materials are placed. It sits directly upon the roofing frame and is usually made of some sort of roofing-grade plywood. The wood portion of the underlayment is covered with rolled-out felt paper saturated with asphalt. This provides a protective layer between the outer roof and the underlayment.

Roof

• The outer protective layer of roofing material is what generally goes on last during the roof-construction process. The most common type of material used is an asphalt shingle, but various other options exist as well. Metal roofing material, for example, has become a fairly popular option for homeowners and businesses because it is both economical and durable. Special roofing nails are required for attaching roofing material. These nails are designed to help prevent leaking around the puncture.

Waterproofing

• Although the process of putting roof in place is generally finished when the last of the outer roofing material is added, some type of waterproofing also may be necessary. This depends upon the type of roofing material that you use. Generally, metal roofs require some additional waterproofing, whereas asphalt roofs do not. Applying a layer of ethylene propylene diene monomer to the metal roof helps to insulate it from the weather and to waterproof the entire roof in the process. Other types of waterproofing materials exists as well, but this is one of the most commonly used types.