Manufacturer Specifications – Modern Roofing Systems
CertainTeed Master Craftsman Installation Manual
This manual outlines CertainTeed’s installation requirements for asphalt shingle roofing systems and related components. It details proper sequencing, fastening, ventilation, and critical construction details required to meet manufacturer specifications and warranty conditions. It is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and technically complete references for proper asphalt shingle installation.
Carlisle Low-Slope Roofing Specifications
Carlisle’s specifications library contains technical documentation for low-slope roofing systems, including EPDM, TPO, PVC, insulation assemblies, and accessories. These documents define approved materials, attachment methods, flashing details, and system performance requirements.
Siplast PMMA Installation Specifications
Siplast’s installation references provide technical guidance for liquid-applied PMMA waterproofing systems. The documentation outlines surface preparation, application methods, detailing requirements, and system limitations for use in complex waterproofing and flashing conditions.
Ludowici Shingle & Tile Installation Manual
This installation manual provides manufacturer-specific requirements for Ludowici clay shingle and tile roofing systems. It outlines substrate preparation, fastening methods, headlap, flashing integration, and detailing necessary to ensure proper performance and longevity. The manual is an essential reference when working with clay tile roofing systems where material-specific installation standards are critical.
Traditional & High-End Roofing Education
Traditional Roofing Magazine
Traditional Roofing Magazine is an industry publication focused on slate, tile, copper, and historically accurate roofing systems. Articles cover installation methods, repair techniques, material behavior, and case studies written by experienced tradespeople. The publication serves as an educational resource for traditional and high-end roofing work.
Slate Roofing – Installation, Repair & Maintenance
SRCA Slate Roofing Specifications
Published by the Slate Roofing Contractors Association, these guidelines define accepted industry standards for slate roof installation. Topics include slate selection, fastening, headlap, flashing integration, slope requirements, and general construction practices for long-term performance.
SRCA Slate Roofing Specifications (Spanish)
This Spanish-language edition of the SRCA installation guidelines provides the same technical standards and best practices for slate roofing systems, supporting consistent workmanship across multilingual crews and professionals.
SRCA Slate Roof Repair, Restoration, and Maintenance Guidelines
These guidelines address the evaluation, repair, restoration, and maintenance of existing slate roofs. They outline appropriate repair methods, common failure points, and strategies for extending the service life of slate roofing systems without unnecessary replacement.
Cedar Shake & Shingle Roofing Standards
Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) Guidelines
The CSSB provides standards and installation guidelines for cedar shake and shingle roofing. Their publications cover proper material selection, installation methods, flashing, ventilation, maintenance, and fire resistance. These resources are widely recognized by contractors and architects for high-quality, long-lasting cedar roofing systems.
Copper Roofing & Architectural Sheet Metal Standards
Copper Development Association – Architectural Details
This library contains technical architectural details for copper roofing, flashing, gutters, and related sheet metal systems. The information addresses thermal movement, expansion joint placement, soldered seam construction, and accepted detailing practices. These details are commonly referenced by architects and contractors when designing durable copper installations.
Do It Proper with Copper – Video Series
Produced by the Copper Development Association, this video series provides visual instruction on proper copper roofing and architectural sheet metal techniques. Topics include material handling, layout, forming, fastening, soldering, and detailing. The series is intended to reinforce correct practices and illustrate why proper detailing and workmanship are critical to long-term copper performance.
Seams for Copper Roofing (NIST Technical Paper)
This National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publication examines the behavior and performance of various seam types used in copper roofing. It provides technical insight into seam design, stress distribution, and long-term durability, offering valuable context for understanding why certain seam configurations perform better over time.
Table of Expansion Joint Locations for Built-In Copper Gutters
This reference provides guidance on expansion joint spacing and placement for built-in copper gutter systems. It addresses thermal movement considerations and dimensional limits necessary to reduce stress and long-term failure in copper gutter construction.
Craft Techniques
Tips for Soldering
This technical guide outlines accepted soldering practices for copper roofing and sheet metal work. It addresses joint preparation, heat control, solder flow, and common causes of seam failure, emphasizing proper technique over shortcuts.
Core Industry Standards & Best Practices
NRCA Shop (National Roofing Contractors Association)
The NRCA Shop provides access to technical manuals, best-practice guides, and industry publications issued by the National Roofing Contractors Association. These materials outline accepted standards for roof system design, installation, flashing, drainage, and maintenance across residential and commercial roofing applications.
Further Reading (Books)
The Slate Roof Bible
The Slate Roof Bible is a technical reference dedicated to the design, installation, and repair of slate roofing systems. It covers material properties, system construction, flashing details, and repair methodologies and is widely used as an educational resource within the slate roofing trade.
Copper & Common Sense
A foundational educational reference on copper roofing and architectural sheet metal work, focused on real-world principles governing copper movement, fastening, soldering, and durability. While available as a published book, it remains a commonly cited learning resource within the trade.