DIY Builds
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk Pexels Logo Photo: Pavel Danilyuk

Can a roof hold a 300lb person?

How Much Weight Can A Flat Roof Hold? California building code sets minimum standards for roof load-bearing capacity. At minimum, any roof which may be used by maintenance workers must hold 300 pounds concentrated. Concentrated means that this weight can be held by any one spot on the roof.

How thick should gravel be under pavers?
How thick should gravel be under pavers?

The traditional base for a paver patio is 4–6” of compacted gravel above your dirt. If you're installing a driveway or road intended for vehicular...

Read More »
What is forbidden for Amish?
What is forbidden for Amish?

As part of their Ordnung, Old Order Amish forbid owning automobiles; tapping electricity from public utility lines; owning televisions, radios, or...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

There are plenty of situations where you may need to know how much weight your roof can support. If you own a commercial flat roof you may be curious if it can support a new packaged HVAC system, or the weight of your maintenance crew. Homeowners may be concerned that their roof won’t support them if they head up to install Christmas lights or decorations. You can get a general idea about how much weight your roof can support from building codes. California and your local municipality set minimum standards for roof strength. However, there are some changes and problems that may have reduced your roof’s strength. In the end, you may need expert guidance. For now, here are a few things that commercial building owners and homeowners need to consider before they reach out to an architect.

How Much Weight Can A Flat Roof Hold?

California building code sets minimum standards for roof load-bearing capacity. At minimum, any roof which may be used by maintenance workers must hold 300 pounds concentrated. Concentrated means that this weight can be held by any one spot on the roof. In essence, you can expect that a flat roof built to California’s building code can safety hold 300 pounds of HVAC equipment in an area that measures 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet. While that is the bare minimum, your roof may need to hold more. For example, in order to support a helipad for large helicopters your roof must hold 60 pounds per square foot overall as well as a single concentrated live load of 3,000 pounds over an area of 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. So, how do you find out what your building was designed to hold? As per California building code, your structural documents should indicate the specific weight your roof can hold. However, you may not be able to take your construction documents as gospel, especially if your building or roof is old. Additions to the building may have a stronger or weaker roof. New roofing materials may weigh more than older ones, which increases the overall stress on the roof. In the end, the only people who can tell you for certain what your specific roof can hold are either your architect or a structural engineer.

Will rock salt keep weeds from growing?
Will rock salt keep weeds from growing?

Salt leaches into the groundand essentially sterilizes it, preventing vegetative re-growth. Spread a thin layer of rock salt between your walkway's...

Read More »
Can you use cardboard under gravel?
Can you use cardboard under gravel?

If you have weeds popping up in your stone walkways, using cardboard will prevent them from coming up. To do this, remove the stones to expose the...

Read More »

Can I use my phone as a stud finder?

Stud finder app for iOS and Android brings the simplicity and effectiveness of a real stud detector tool to your iPhone or Android device. The app uses your device's compass (magnetometer sensor) to pinpoint metal studs, nails, and screws embedded in all wood wall studs.

studfinderapp.com - Stud Finder App - iOS, Android

Download the best stud finder app today! Why pay $20 or more for another tool when you can use Stud Finder on your phone now to quickly and accurately find wall studs? Try free A good stud detector tool is critical for safely and securely hanging large or heavy wall fixtures such as mirrors, shelves, wall mounted displays, artwork, etc. Get the best Stud Finder app for your device today, so you are always prepared to effectively handle any home renovation or DIY project! Best Stud Finder App for iOS and Android Stud finder app for iOS and Android brings the simplicity and effectiveness of a real stud detector tool to your iPhone or Android device. The app uses your device's compass (magnetometer sensor) to pinpoint metal studs, nails, and screws embedded in all wood wall studs. Use studfinder in the same way as other hand-held stud detector devices. The LEDs light up in sequence with proximity to metal studs and fasteners as your device's magnetometer sensor passes over the wall stud. I have spent over five years continually improving studfinder's functionality and usability, based on user feedback. And I sincerely believe it to be the best stud finder app currently available in any app store. Try premium

Do shelves need to be anchored to studs?
Do shelves need to be anchored to studs?

If your shelves are heavy or you plan on using them to hold a heavy object, installing the shelving into studs will provide optimal holding power....

Read More »
What can you fit in a 8x10 shed?
What can you fit in a 8x10 shed?

According to LP's Shed Size Calculator, an 8×10 shed would be able to fit only about 2 fuel cans, 2 garden tools, a generator, a propane grill, a...

Read More »
How do you build a shed base with uneven ground?
How do you build a shed base with uneven ground?

From experience, the simplest way to build shed bases on uneven ground it to use a foundation of blocks, ideally concrete. This way, to compensate...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Do you get condensation in plastic sheds?
Do you get condensation in plastic sheds?

Metal Sheds and plastic Sheds will only suffer from condensation when dampness is present in the foundations. The air inside the shed is always...

Read More »