About Mark Sundberg Expertise Architecture, structure, construction.
Experience 27 years licensed architect, work in 12 states. Currently working in Hawaii. Over 1000 buildings designed or worked on in a significant role
3 years quality control officer for Navy construction projects.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Architecture, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. 1977.
Question I am building a tree house for my kids. I am putting up 3/8 plywood for the small rafter roof I am planning on building. I am worried about weight, that's why the 3/8 ply. I have built a substantial understructure to hold it up, but everything adds up. First of all, what type of nail should I use to apply the shingles since I'm using such thin plywood? Secondly, is there a light-weight shingle you know about that's not stratospherically expensive? The tree house is only about 8'x8'. Thank you!
Answer Hi Gavin,
I'd suggest you look into staples rather than nails. As for light weight shingles, you might look into some of the fiberglass ones.
In reality, each 1/8" of thickness of plywood is only about 1/2 pound per square foot, so to go from 3/8" to 1/2" would only add about 72# total, assuming a 2' overhang on all four sides. Then again, if your rafters are 16" oc, the 3/8" ply should be OK, just not much good for any adults climbing around up there.
