Roof Installation

Once trusses have been installed when framing a house, sheathing is then used as the surface of the roof. Sheathing is typically sheets of plywood that are attached to the top of the trusses. Other roofing materials, such as felt paper or rolled roofing, is then applied before laying the shingles. However, you need to first sheath the top of the rafters or trusses to complete the installation of the roof for your house or outbuilding.

4" by 8" plywood sheets
Roofing nails
Nail gun
Circular saw

Instructions

- 1
  Set the first sheet of plywood along the side and front edge at one corner of the rafter on one side of the house. Drive a roofing nail at each corner with the nail gun to tack it in place.
- 2
  Run a chalk line on the plywood over a rafter. Snap the chalk line to indicate where the rafter is located under the plywood. Repeat this step to mark the remaining rafters under the plywood.
- 3
  Drive a roofing nail every six inches along the perimeter of the plywood sheet and 12 inches down the interior chalk lines.
- 4
  Set the next sheet of plywood in place on the rafters. A 1/8-inch gap is needed in between each sheet of plywood. Secure the plywood in the corners and then repeat steps 2 and 3. Continue with the step until you have covered the length of the roof.
- 5
  Cut one sheet of plywood in half with the circular saw. Set one of the cut pieces to start the second row. Secure the plywood to the rafters with the nail gun.
- 6
  Add additional rows of plywood until you have sheathed the entire roof.

Common Failures in Slate Roofs

Tin Roofing Installation

Roof Repairs