Tag Archives: roofing maintenance

How Much Weight Can a Concrete Roof Support?

When considering roofing materials, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. Durability, cost, and a litany of other things can impact which material you go with for your residential or commercial roof. But weight capacity is another important one.

Some mistakenly believe that concrete roofs are endlessly sturdy, regardless of contributing factors. That is not the case. In the following article, Roofer’s Guild explores the nuances of this topic.

How Much Weight Can a Concrete Roof Support (Cover)

Key Takeaway

A concrete roof can support about 1,200 pounds per square foot. However, variables like thickness, reinforcements, and installation quality all contribute to its maximum capacity.

How Much Weight Can a Concrete Roof Hold Per Square Foot?

While the answer to this question can vary greatly on several factors within the concrete itself, a good rule of thumb is around 1,200 pounds per square foot, depending on the thickness of the concrete and whether or not it has any reinforcements.

A common mistake is that amateur roofers just assume that concrete is impossibly strong, but it has weight restrictions just like any other material.

Reinforcing the Roof

With newer installations, this is likely a common practice performed by the roofer doing the job. But in older homes, the question of weight support becomes irrelevant if it is quite old or has experienced a lot of damage.

While a complete replacement is the most ideal of scenarios, the cost of a new roof is often not so realistic.

That is where reinforcing the roof can help get a longer life out of your roof while implementing a fast, quick repair and reinforcement that will keep the structural integrity of the roof sound for some time.

Again, it is highly recommended that you get a new roof wherever you can. Still, there are a couple of ways to reinforce your roof to give it a little boost in terms of life span.

Addressing Repairs with Patching

If the deterioration or damage to your concrete roof isn’t terribly bad, it can be patched to extend its life a little longer.

But if you are implementing extensive patchwork, it is important to note that you should not assume that it can take on a proper load and will never be able to handle the maximum weight.

The condition and age of the roof are essential factors for determining the amount of weight it can support so that you or a roofing contractor can safely traverse the roof.

Strengthening Existing Trusses

This is a way to add durability to your roof. By using 2×4s, you simply combine them with any existing trusses that may be in place from one end of the structure to the next. This can allow for extra stability.

However, this is not meant to be a long-term solution if the roof is showing signs of wear and deterioration.

Exercise caution whenever getting on the roof and understand that this is just prolonging the eventual replacement of the roof entirely.

Signs That the Roof is Failing

While not every roofing structure will provide clear warning signs, the question of weight support becomes moot once the damage is obvious.

Existing damage makes traversing the roof unsafe and a serious hazard.

There are definitely a few things to keep an eye out for regarding the condition of your roof and whether or not there may be issues currently occurring.

Leaks

The biggest issue plaguing roofing systems, concrete roofs, too, is in the form of leaks. If you see multiple wet spots in your ceiling or moisture retained on the roof, it is a strong sign that the roof has a weak spot that can lead to bigger issues.

Leaks are a huge issue not only for the roofing system itself but for the structural integrity of the rest of the building.

If that water is allowed to persist, it has the chance to rot and decay wood that could provide structural support and lead to mold growth, making it a hazard to the air quality in the building.

Cracks

Cracks are a clear indication that there may be problems with your roof. This can mean that stress is being implemented onto the roof and spreading outward in other directions.

This can lead to serious problems with your concrete roof, making it structurally vulnerable and making it unsafe to be near.

Small cracks are not a terribly big idea, but calling in a proper roofing contractor to survey the scene and understand the situation will allow you to stay ahead of any potentially disastrous situations.

It is always better to exercise caution in scenarios such as these.

Other Weight Considerations for Concrete Roofs

So many factors determine “how much weight can a concrete roof support” that it isn’t a black-and-white question.

A concrete roof can safely support around 1,200 pounds (0.54 t) per square foot when completely healthy and showing no signs of wear and tear.

But that figure can drop exponentially when leaks, cracking, chipping, and other damage rears their ugly head. If you see areas of your concrete roof that look concerning, the safest bet is to avoid stepping in those areas and leave it to the professionals.

Your concrete roof can stand up to a lot and prove to be a durable choice in roofing material, but it is certainly not immune to its own issues. You can consult this roof load calculator if you are worried about snow.

Final Thoughts

A concrete roof can typically support about 1,200 pounds per square foot. However, variables like thickness, reinforcements, and the quality of installation can all alter that general threshold.

Roofing contractors and property owners can both take measures to maximize the concrete roof’s weight capacity, including performing repairs, adding reinforcements, and strengthening the trusses.

Roofing Tar vs. Silicone (Analysis & Comparison)

Roofing tar vs. Silicone. Which is superior? While most roofers and property owners are looking for a simple answer to this question, it requires a broader understanding of the specific roofing project that requires such materials.

In most cases, Silicone is a superior roof sealant to tar, though the difference is not as apparent as some might imagine.

Roofing Tar vs. Silicone (Blog Banner)

Key Takeaway

Silicone is the superior roof sealant, but tar is nearly as effective. While you can’t go wrong with either solution, Silicone presents better aesthetic appeal and greater stain resistance.

Perhaps you are in the process of having your roof repaired or replaced. If so, you might have a few questions. One of these is, “What is the best roof sealant for leaks?”

It is important to have the right type of material since there are several different materials to choose from, such as slate, asphalt, Silicone, aluminum, clay tiles, and more.

Generally speaking, it comes down to tar asphalt or Silicone. These materials have distinct advantages, but knowing which is best for you takes a little research and a much more thorough look.

Below, Roofer’s Guild compares the two roofing materials closely.

Installation Process

Installing either roofing material can be relatively straightforward. You can install tar using a roller, but you have to ensure that the temperature is in the right range for it to stick to the roof effectively.

The last thing you want is for the tar to not adhere correctly, which could cause issues with peeling and potential water damage later on.

Ensure the temperature is correct, and the tar will stick to the roof easily.

The only downside to installing a tar roof is the fumes. When the sun hits the mixture, toxic fumes form that can leave you feeling dizzy and cause respiratory issues.

Always wear a mask when installing a tar roof to protect against the side effects. No one wants to get dizzy and fall off the roof while installing it.

The process is a little more time-consuming with silicone shingles but generally easy. There are no adverse side effects regarding fumes, making it a safer option for installation.

Ideally, you should have a roofing professional come out to repair or install your roof.

It can be dangerous to take on the job if you are not experienced, as those without experience often forego or forget the necessary safety procedures that should be taken during the process.

Tar roofing has the overall installation advantage simply because it can be rolled out relatively easily. Yes, toxic fumes are involved, but as long as you wear a mask, you should be okay during the process.

Solar Energy

Silicone shingles reflect UV rays away from your home or business, helping keep the structure cooler without increasing the energy you use through air conditioning or other cooling devices.

Until you see a sky-high utility bill, you won’t understand just how much money that can save you.

Tar, meanwhile, has similar properties. It protects the structure from harmful UV rays and helps keep the building cooler even when the temperature is hot.

This is crucial during the hotter summer months when energy bills can soar.

One of the most important aspects of a roof is appropriately handling UV rays. If it isn’t doing its job, your home could turn into an oven during the hotter months, resulting in excessive air conditioning usage and higher home energy costs.

Both deal with the same problem in very similar ways—keeping those UV rays at bay and reflecting solar energy to keep the building cooler—so either works fine for this specific concern.

Eco-Friendliness 

When it comes to roofing tar, they are very effective at keeping your home or business cooler during those warmer months, up to twice as much as most traditional energy-star certified roofing materials.

The cooling means you can save substantially on your energy bills and see benefits from green organizations like NAHB, LEED, or others.

The one drawback here is that the fumes can be pretty dangerous, but the environmental effects aren’t as harmful.

If you do the installation yourself, be sure to wear a breathing mask to avoid those toxic fumes that could be dangerous to your health.

Silicone is also great for saving money on energy costs while offering protection against staining, dirt, and mildew. This gives it a distinct advantage: it will look newer over time than a tar roof.

The benefits are slight, but the advantage here goes to the silicone option. Both save you from expensive energy bills and are relatively easy to install, but Silicone protects against ugly staining, while tar roofing material has toxic qualities during installation.

Any time you can save yourself by working on your roof, cleaning, or making repairs, that is a victory for you and one you should take.

Aesthetic Appeal

With roofing tar, you are oftentimes limited to black or white. Some companies specialize in offering a variety of different colors, but don’t be surprised if the majority of roofing companies in your area stick with tradition.

Still, if you can find the color that best suits your design scheme, it can match perfectly. Tar provides a smooth, seamless aesthetic without grooves or breaks.

Silicone roofing materials routinely come in various colors and designs, allowing you to be as specific as you want about the color of your roof.

Also, as previously mentioned, Silicone is resistant to staining and dirt, which can cause unsightly spots to appear over time, making your roof look dirty and worn down.

Silicone has the advantage here because of its versatility, choice of color, and ability to protect from things that may stain your roof.
.
While getting different colors of roofing tar is not impossible, it is not as common as selecting silicone roofing.

Durability & Longevity

Durability and longevity are critical factors because of the cost of replacing or installing a roof. Considering this, long-lasting roofing materials are imperative to avoid excessive spending.

Tar roofs are very durable because they remove the seams and cracks that we generally see in roofs and create a smooth surface.

A smooth surface is incredibly important when it comes to dealing with high winds or keeping snow/water buildup from forming on the roof.

The latter is essential. Most roofs experience some level of damage that can lead to leaks or water damage in other home areas. With a tar roof, you drastically limit the possibility of that happening.

As we all know, water damage is a real wild card that can wreak havoc on your home or business.

Silicone roofing material is also very durable. In addition to being resistant to the damage that sunlight and UV rays can cause, it also protects against rain, snow, and extreme temperature changes.

Weather resistance is a crucial factor, especially considering that most of us live in areas where the weather swings drastically depending on the time of the year.

If you don’t have a roof that can withstand a snowstorm, you could find yourself in a pile of trouble before long.

These two are about even when it comes to durability. Both are meant to stand up to extreme temperatures, high winds, rain, and snow. They protect against water accumulation and help prevent problematic leaks from occurring.

The only real difference here is that many silicone roofs come with a 50-year warranty, which should last you for life.

Having that kind of security and peace of mind can go a long way toward picking the right roofing material for your repair or replacement.

Final Call: Roofing Tar or Silicone?

Despite the slight advantage of silicone, you can’t go wrong with either material because of your individualized needs.

While silicone might have a better overall aesthetic value and be more resistant to staining and mildew, tar roofs are more than suitable for most scenarios.

The same goes for being energy efficient – both are great at cutting down on your overall utility bills – and their overall durability.

If you are having your roof repaired or replaced and don’t know which material might be best, consult a roofing professional.

You will be able to discuss your overall goals for the roofing projects, better understand your local climate, and be informed of any weather conditions that could affect your roof.