7 Home Roofing Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Joseph C. Jenkins brings over four decades of hands-on experience to this extensively updated third edition, offering readers deep insight into the craft of slate roof installation. You’ll find detailed guidance on everything from slate siding and eyebrow dormers to turrets and soldering, complemented by dozens of new photographs and step-by-step illustrations that demystify complex techniques. Jenkins expands beyond basics to cover historical context and international slate varieties, making it relevant for professionals and enthusiasts alike. If you're involved in roofing, architecture, or own a slate roof, this book provides clear, practical knowledge grounded in rich industry expertise.

Will Holladay's decades of hands-on experience in rough carpentry shape this detailed guide to complex home framing challenges. You’ll learn practical techniques from his early days in Los Angeles tract housing to high-end custom projects along the California coast, including framing for steep hillsides, polygon-shaped roofs, and intricate staircases. The book balances clear instructions with over 300 drawings and photos, making difficult concepts accessible. Whether you're an apprentice or a contractor, this book offers specific methods to boost productivity and improve craftsmanship on the job site.

This tailored book explores focused strategies for accurate and efficient roof framing, crafted to align with your background and goals. It covers essential topics such as rafter measurements, pitch calculations, layout techniques, and structural principles that ensure lasting durability and precision. By concentrating on your specific interests, it reveals the nuances of framing different roof styles and addresses challenges unique to your projects. The personalized content guides you through practical steps to master framing techniques, combining expert knowledge with your learning needs. This approach helps deepen understanding and build practical skills for constructing reliable, well-designed roofs.

Barry D. Mussell draws on decades of hands-on carpentry and homebuilding experience to deliver a practical guide for roof framing. This book equips you with precise measurements and cutting angles for a variety of roof types, including complex "bastard" hip roofs that typically stump even seasoned framers. You’ll find clear tables and illustrations for every rafter length and bevel, plus specialized tips for polygons, arches, and ellipses, making it a dependable reference on the job. If you’re involved in roofing or carpentry, this book offers focused knowledge to help you execute accurate roof framing without second-guessing or complex calculations.

A.F.J. Reichers draws from his extensive carpentry experience to deliver precise framing tables that cover 48 different roof pitches, including common, hip, valley, jack, and purlin rafters. This book offers detailed cuts and bevels for rafters and mouldings, supplemented with clear illustrations that make complex measurements accessible. You’ll find metric tables for the most common base 12 slopes, making it useful beyond imperial measurements. If you’re involved in roof construction or remodeling and need exact rafter lengths without guesswork, this focused guide provides straightforward technical data without unnecessary filler.

This book isn’t just another home roofing guide; it reflects decades of expertise from editors deeply embedded in the woodworking and homebuilding community since 1975. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to prevent water intrusion—arguably the most persistent threat to any home—through precise techniques in roofing, flashing, and waterproofing. For example, it details the principles behind effective flashing installations that can save you costly repairs down the line. If you’re a professional remodeler or a serious DIYer focused on durable, water-resistant construction, this book equips you with the practical knowledge to safeguard your projects and avoid common pitfalls.

This personalized book explores the essential skills and techniques needed to advance your roofing installation and repair abilities effectively. It covers all critical aspects of roofing from foundational principles to advanced methods, tailored to your experience and specific goals. Readers will explore materials, tools, safety practices, and troubleshooting challenges with focused attention on practical skill development. This tailored approach ensures you engage deeply with content that matches your background and interests, enabling faster progress and mastery. By synthesizing expert knowledge with your personal learning path, the book reveals step-by-step guidance designed to help you build confidence and competence in roofing crafts. It transforms complex concepts into manageable, targeted lessons that support rapid skill acquisition and improved craftsmanship.

Editors of Cool Springs Press bring practical expertise to this guide, making roof replacement approachable for homeowners willing to roll up their sleeves. You learn how to estimate materials, remove old roofing, and install a variety of popular roof types—from asphalt shingles to metal and tile—complete with clear photographic instructions. The book also covers critical roof components like gutters, fascia, and vents, plus a dedicated repair section to extend your roof’s lifespan. If you want to save money and upgrade your roof yourself with confidence, this book offers solid, straightforward guidance without unnecessary jargon.

Jon Nelsen challenges the conventional wisdom that roofing must be prohibitively expensive, drawing on his background in home construction and finance to demystify the process. You’ll learn to identify the best roofing materials for energy efficiency and durability, as well as how to engage contractors confidently with targeted questions and checklists. Chapters cover topics like metal roofing, solar panels, gutter maintenance, and cost estimation, offering practical insights for both novices and experienced builders. This book suits homeowners aiming to manage their roofing projects without overspending or contractors seeking clear client communication frameworks.