The Basics of a Roof Plan Drawing: Dimensions, Materials, and More

Every roofing technician should know how to read a roof plan drawing. While working on-the-job can certainly teach this, it’s never a bad idea to refresh your skills. Especially if you are new to the industry, understanding the basics of a roof plan will be essential to your roofing career.

What is a roof plan?

A scaled drawing of a roof development proposal.

What is needed before drawing a roof plan?

A survey must be completed of the existing structure, land plot, or building plans to determine the project’s scope, the materials needed, and the type of roof plan to be used (a basic roof plan or a roof plan architecture drawing).

What are the roof plan details?

Dimensions of the entire roof structure, including shape, size, design, and placement of all materials, ventilation, drainage, slopes, valleys, and more.

Who uses a roof plan?

Apprentices, lead technicians, project managers, and anybody else involved in a roofing project.

What does a roof plan look like?

A 2D drawing from a bird’s eye view. Annotations are also used to explain specific aspects, such as ridges, slopes, the roof pitch, ventilation, and access points.

When are roof plans used?

During the planning stage of a new roof installation, renovation, repair, or extension work.

How are roof plans used during a project?

For some permits and permissions, client approval, and reference for all employees. Roof plans may also change throughout the project and should be updated as needed.

Basic Roof Plan vs. Architectural Roof Plan

As mentioned above, a survey must be completed before any roof plan can be drawn. This may be an inspection of the current roofing system and building, the land plot a new facility will be built on, or the new building’s plans. The survey results will determine the scope of the project and the type of roof plan needed.

• Basic roof plan: Used for smaller projects and typically focuses on the roof shape and material placement.
• Architectural roof plan: Used for larger projects and includes more details on various aspects, such as the design and material placement.

Where Can You Learn How to Read a Roof Plan

While some roofing technicians start their careers without formal training or education, others choose to complete trade school and an apprenticeship. Many companies even let their employees rely on on-the-job experience. However, PB Roofing chooses to be an industry-leading company by offering their employees PB University.

PB University provides professional development and personal growth to create the next generation of roofers and entrepreneurs. Every employee is eligible and encouraged to enroll upon hire. With a comprehensive learning plan, employees of all ages, education backgrounds, and experience levels can jump in and complete the university program.

If you’re interested in starting a career with PB Roofing, view our open positions online.