Roofing basics
Before you start: No prior roofing knowledge.
You will learn to: Name the main roof layers and explain area, pitch, and roofing squares.
Your learning map
Start learning roofing.
Begin with anatomy and vocabulary. Then follow the questions that matter to your building or work.
Start here
A roof is an assembly of connected layers. Learn what each layer does before comparing covering materials or prices. Open the anatomy lesson.
Choose a question to work through
Each path brings related guides together in a useful order. Allow the suggested reading time, then explore the details that apply to your roof or work.
Assessing an existing roof
Before you start: Start with roof anatomy.
You will learn to: Organize ground-based observations and recognize when a professional assessment is needed.
Buying a replacement
Before you start: Understand the basic layers and your building’s known condition.
You will learn to: Compare materials and proposal scope, then prepare questions for a contractor.
Commercial roof ownership
Before you start: Know the building’s use and the roof system, if documented.
You will learn to: Prepare an ownership record covering drainage, maintenance, and specialist assessment.
First steps in the trade
Before you start: Basic roof vocabulary. Practical work requires supervised training.
You will learn to: Identify safety, takeoff, and workmanship topics to discuss with a qualified supervisor.
Check your understanding
Choose an answer to see the explanation.
Review roofing squaresSaved lessons
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