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PaperclipPerfector  2mo ago (text post)   2685 thread views

Friday Fun Thread for March 20, 2026

Be advised: this thread is not for serious in-depth discussion of weighty topics (we have a link for that), this thread is not for anything Culture War related. This thread is for Fun. You got jokes? Share 'em. You got silly questions? Ask 'em.

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What was the point of building a steep roof enclosing a useless attic?

Do you live somewhere that doesn't snow? Around here those roofs are 100% necessary, and the Californian transplants who think they aren't usually end up with an expensive wake up call after a few years.

You seem to be implying that there are only two options:

  • Steep roofs made from non-leaky materials, such as asphalt shingles or metal panels

  • Flat roofs made from leaky materials, such as mineral rolls or built-up asphalt

This is a false dichotomy. According to the IRC:

  • Asphalt shingles can be used on roofs as flat as 2/12 (with double underlayment).

  • Metal panels can be used on roofs as flat as 0.25/12 (depending on the specific type of panel).

My personal experience with the (IIRC) 4/12 asphalt-shingle roof of my (mother's) current house is that the attic, filled with blown insulation and big ducts that make maintenance difficult, is nothing but an annoyance. I look forward to experiencing my custom house's 1/12 (flat enough to walk on casually) metal-panel roof, with batt insulation, ductless heating/cooling, and a drop ceiling making maintenance easy.

I'm less worried about leaks than full blown collapse. I had my elementary school cafeteria roof collapse when I was a child due to four feet of snow piled up on it. It was not an experience I'd ever care to repeat.

Wait, were you…in it?

I was. It was not a good time

That's just negligent design. Codes do require the designer to account for snow load (1 2).

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