Actually, the answer to this question can vary with the types of roofs, roofing structures, roofing materials, regional building codes, and so on. But generally, it is said that a roof can support a minimum of 20 pounds of weight per square foot.
Different types of roofs have different bare limits. Usually, a flat roof, as opposed to a sloped roof, has a higher strength to support more weight. In addition, if you wish to build a helipad on your roof, the load-bearing capacity should be enough as well.
So to know more about how much weight a roof can support, keep reading.
How Much Weight Can A Roof Support?
As I previously stated, the roof’s load-bearing capacity cannot be determined by a single factor, rather by a combination of factors. Which you should be aware of before putting up the weight on a roof.
If you want to use your roof for more than just living, such as installing a swimming pool, helipad, creating a garden, or storing heavy items,your roof must be able to hold more weight than the average.
Roofs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are many different types of roofs: flat roofs, steep roofs, gable roofs, and so on.
Here, I’ll walk you through the process of determining the roof’s strength in detail. Take a peek at what they have to offer.
Step 1: Check the construction codes first.
Knowing the system’s capacity is a crucial step. Different regions have different limits, so check your local building authority to learn more.
Step 2: Examine your building’s structural documentation.
The structural documents cover your home’s structure, materials, and overall design. As a result, you’ll have a better sense that how much your roof can take.
If you still can’t figure it out, consult a professional home engineer or architect. They will undoubtedly be of assistance to you.
Step 3: Measure the dead loads as well as the live loads of the roof.
Dead loads are those loads that are permanently installed on the roof, such as the roof on its own or anything permanently mounted on the roof. The installation of green plants on the roof is a dead load. Live loads, on the other hand, are those that are temporarily installed, such as snow, people, ponding water, and so on.
The total of the roof’s dead and live loads must not surpass the roof’s maximum capacity.
You already know how to assess the roof’s structural integrity. Now, I’m only giving you a rough overview of many applications.
Putting HVAC equipment on a flat roof
Though it is a risky proposition, a flat roof can support 300 pounds worth of HVAC systems in a space measuring 2.5*2.5 sq feet.
Garden on the roof
A flat roof designed to support a home garden must be capable of supporting 100 pounds per square foot.
Installing helipad on the roof
In order to sustain a helipad supporting giant helicopters, your roof must be able to support sixty pounds per square foot and also a single segmented live load of three thousand pounds across a space of 4.5 by 4.5 inches.
Before you do something inappropriate, you must understand the implications of breaking the bearing limit.
If you surpass your roof’s weight-bearing capacity, it might result in a variety of problems, including the following:
- It will induce compression of the insulating material, reducing the roof’s service life.
- If you put too much weight on the roof, it might cause dips that eventually lead to ponding water.
- When a roof is subjected to excessive loads, it can sometimes collapse. All of these issues can result in roof leaks.
Unless you want to squander your money, be aware of the weight-bearing limit.
Verdict
Have you found this article to be beneficial? I hope so. I believe you now understand what you need to be aware of in order to determine how much weight can a roof support.
The weight-bearing capacity is dependent on a variety of factors. So, you should look up your local area code first to get an estimate of how much weight your area’s structures can support.
Then review your building’s structural documentation or hire an engineer or specialist to measure the strength. Before measuring the load, you should understand the distinction between dead and live loads, as well as the repercussions of exceeding the limitations.
Warm wishes.
