60. There are two regular sizes of roofing plates, namely, 20 in. × 28 in. and 14 in. × 20 in. The larger size is generally used on common work, owing to the fact that it requires fewer seams on the roof and consequently cheapens the cost of laying. A third size, namely, 10 in. × 20 in., is also supplied, and is used generally for gutters and leader pipes. Sheets 10 in. X 14 in. are sometimes used for laying roofs, as they can be cleated better than the larger sizes. Such small sheets, however, cost more to lay.

Two thicknesses of roofing plates are commonly recognized. One is the IC, or No. 29 gauge, and weighs 8 ounces to the square foot; the other is the IX, or No. 27 gauge, and weighs 10 ounces to the square foot. Sometimes, a still heavier plate is called for, and it is therefore kept in stock by the best manufacturers. This plate is known as IXX, or No. 26 gauge, and is used for especially heavy work.

Formerly, the standard net weight per box of IC, 14" × 20" roofing tin was 112 pounds, or 1 pound per sheet, making 112 sheets to the box; but now this weight is reduced to 108 pounds. The old standard for IX plates was 140 pounds, but very few brands now weigh more than 135 pounds per box. The most reliable manufacturers guarantee the weights for the different boxes of tin, and if the material does not come up to the guaranteed weight, it can be returned. The best sheets in the market today are stamped with the mark of the brand and the designation IC or IX of the thickness.

61. Using standing joints, a 14" × 20" sheet of roofing tin will cover about 235 square inches of surface, or one box of such tin will cover about 182 square feet. With a flat, lock seam, a sheet will cover 255 square inches, allowing ⅜ inch all around for joints; or a box will lay 198 square feet. These figures make no allowance for waste.

Two good workmen can put on from 250 to 300 square feet of tin roofing per day of 8 hours; this also includes painting the outside of the tin. Tin roofing will cost from 8 to 10 cents per square foot, depending on the quality of material and workmanship.

62. Tile Roofs.—Since tile roofs are constructed of so many styles of tile, no general rules of measurement can be given. Every piece of work must be estimated according to the particular kind of tile used and the number of sizes and patterns. Information on all these points is to be found in the catalogs of tile manufacturers.

TABLE XIII

APPROXIMATE COST OF ROOF TILING,
PER SQUARE

Classification Cost of Tile
Delivered
Cost of Laying,
Including
Ashphalt Felt
Total Cost,
Exclusive of
Builder’s Profit
Shingle tile (rectangular), 6" × 12"$13.00$ 7.50$20.50
Shingle tile (rectangular), 8" × 12"14.006.5020.50
Shingle tile (geometric shapes)12.007.0019.00
Conosera (interlocking), 8" × 12"14.005.5019.50
Conosera (interlocking), 10" × 15"12.005.0017.00
Conosera, combination 8" × 12" and 2" × 12"16.508.0024.50
French A (interlocking), size 10" × 15"12.005.0017.00
Spanish, 8" × 12"13.006.5019.50
Old Spanish, semicircular, channels22.5010.0032.50
laid alternately, concave and convex
Roman, pan and semicircular roll,17.008.0025.00
laid 7½ in. center to center of rolls
Greek, pan and semihexagonal cap,17.008.0025.00
laid 7½ in. center to center of caps
Promenade for flat roofs, laid on 5 layers7.0013.0020.00
of asphalt felt in asphalt pitch

In [Table XIII] is given a list of the prevailing styles of roof tiling, the cost of tiling, labor, etc. per square, pertaining to each variety. The prices in the table are based on the natural red color of the clay when burnt; extra prices are asked for glazed-surface finish which can be obtained in different colors. The prices in the table are based on quantities of not less than 30 squares, as less than a minimum carload means increased freight rates. The prices given cover railroad delivery to points in the Eastern and Middle States. Labor, etc. being based on current prices.