DIY Network

Roof Over Your Head: Shingles Selection and Construction Continues From "Home IQ" episode DHIQ-106

In this segment, the Obergs make their shingles selection. Viewers hear from John Broniek of Ibacos, who explains the importance of exterior building products (such as shingles) in not only protecting the home but in the aesthetic value as well. The Obergs talk about their selection process and the problems they came across in choosing the shingles for their home. Back on site, Jim Mesincik and his carpenters complete the framing on the left side of the home and begin closing in the roof. Viewers see how this is done and hear from Jim on how difficult it can be in building a roof for a home like this. When Brad Oberg visits the site, the 8" problem they thought was solved in the last episode appears once again. As he and Jim work to resolve the problem, viewers hear from Brad on how valuable it is to have a good framer like Jim. In the attic, the homebuilder is taking a new approach to venting out the hot air that accumulates there by using expanding foam to create an airtight barrier.

Exterior building products (shingles, brick, vinyl siding, stucco, etc.) for any home form the first line of defense for a home -- protecting it against the elements. These exterior products are also the first things a person sees, so their aesthetic value is extremely important, which is why selecting the shingles is so important.

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Figure A

"The roof's shingles are really important," Brad Oberg (homeowner) said, "because in the house we have it's such a dominant pattern (figure A). We didn't want it to be really powerful and we also didn't want it to be bland."

"The shingles were our biggest problem," Lynn Oberg said. "The places that we went didn't have a lot of selection of the colors that were available from the manufacturer. We could go to the Internet, but when you're trying to visualize what an entire roof is going to look like it's tough."
Back to Work on the Roof

• While the Obergs mull their shingle choices, the workers continued the roof construction. Now that the left side of the roof is framed (figure B), it's time to get it under cover as soon as possible so work can begin on the inside.

• Closing in the roof begins by sheathing it with a layer of plywood -- or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) (figure C). This is a sheet of laminated wood particles and when used for a roof should be at least 5/8" thick. Anything less is "not" strong enough.

• On top of the sheathing a roofing underlayment (figure D) is used. This felt paper will help shed away any water that could possibly get underneath the roof's shingles -- and protect the OSB.

• Still waiting for the garage and basement floors to be poured, the framing crew sets the ridge beams and rafters over the bedrooms, hoping that everything will fit once the garage and basement are framed in. Each one of the bedroom dormers is framed individually and will get tied into the larger roof once it's completed.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

	Figure E
	Figure F