Roof construction demands meticulous attention to standards and codes to ensure safety, durability, and compliance. The APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide provides comprehensive insights into these aspects. Below, we summarize the crucial standards and codes for effective roof construction:
APA Panel Roof Sheathing
- Uniform Load Deflection Limits: 1/180 of span under live load plus dead load; 1/240 of span under live load only.
- Special Conditions: Adjustments required for heavy concentrated loads or dead loads exceeding 10 psf, such as tile roofs.
- Panel Continuity: Assumed continuous over two or more spans, with long dimension or strength axis across supports.
Low Slope Roofs
- Stiffer Deck Requirement: Especially for built-up single-ply or modified bitumen roofing.
- Recommended Maximum Spans: Detailed in Table 34 of the Guide.
- Live Load Recommendations and Fastener Requirements: Found in Tables 33 and 35.
Panel Roof Sheathing Fastening
- Spacing: 1/8″ recommended at all edge and end joints.
- Panel Clip or Tongue-and-Groove Edges: Required for certain applications.
- Asphalt/Wood Shingles or Shakes: Follow roofing manufacturer’s recommendations for roofing felt.
Additional Considerations
- Protection of Panel Edges: Especially against weather exposure for Exposure 1 panels.
- Roof Sheathing Covering: Cover with roofing felt as soon as possible for extra protection.
Fastening and Span Guidelines
- Tables 33, 34, and 35: Provide comprehensive data on live loads, maximum spans, and fastening schedules.
- Increased Nail Schedules: May be required in high wind zones.
- Edge Support for Low Slope Roofs: Options include tongue-and-groove edges, solid blocking, or panel clips.
Roof Sheathing for Different Roof Types: The guide provides detailed recommendations for asphalt or wood shingles, shakes, and other roofing materials.
Preframed Roof Panels: Ideal for commercial buildings, with typical spans ranging from 8 to 30 feet. Ensure stiffeners and roof purlins provide support for all panel edges.
Long Span Systems: For long span roofs, panels with a span rating of 48/24 are recommended, especially for roofs with a snow load of at least 30 psf.
Diaphragm Design: APA panel roof decks can function as engineered diaphragms to resist wind and seismic loading, with specific nailing and design requirements.
This guide underscores the importance of adhering to proven standards for robust and reliable roof construction.
For more personalized guidance, consult with engineers and local building codes specific to your location. For immediate service or consultation, you may contact us at Allied Emergency Services, INC.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-800-792-0212
- Email: Info@AlliedEmergencyServices.com
- Location: Serving Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana with a focus on the greater Chicago area.
If you require immediate assistance or have specific questions, our human support is readily available to help you.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. For professional advice, consult experts in the field
