All The Ins and Outs of Roofing!

·38 min·3 clips

Gary Demas explains how slate roofs are easy to tear off but dangerous because they provide no traction for workers.

The episode begins with host Gary Demas welcoming listeners and sharing lighthearted banter about aliens and black bears. He introduces the topic of roofing, noting its recession-proof nature due to essential repairs. Gary recounts a story about a neighbor who received a free roof after contractors mistakenly installed it on the wrong house. The discussion moves to different roofing materials, starting with asphalt shingles that used to melt in heat, leading to the development of fiberglass shingles with longer warranties. Gary describes various shingle types, including slate, wood, and metal, highlighting slate's longevity of up to 70 years but its high cost and installation challenges. He explains roof framing systems, contrasting truss roofs, which are pre-engineered and self-supporting, with stick-framed roofs that allow more attic space. The hosts delve into adding dormers to roofs, emphasizing the need for proper flashing and working in cooler weather to handle shingles. They discuss common issues like leaks in room additions, with Gary sharing a cautionary tale about improper tar flashing from his early career. The episode covers design aspects for additions, such as matching roof pitches, handling egress windows, and integrating with different siding types like stucco. Gary also touches on drainage considerations and the importance of structural engineering for roof loads. The show concludes with reminders for listeners to contact the show via email or visit their website for more resources.

As heard by us

A grounded guide to roof structure, attic clues, and water pressure around a house.

Roofing turns into a clear, practical lesson in how a house carries its weight. Gary Demas of Dayfox Design Build Remodelers walks through trusses, stick framing, roof shapes, snow load, and the webbing that can show up in an attic, tying each detail back to what homeowners…

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Why you'd press play

You want the attic to tell you what is carrying what before a remodeling idea turns into a structural guess.

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