Best Roofing Reference Books • Top Roofing Books (2024)

By Jack Gray, Roof Online Editor • Last updated August 11, 2024

If you spend enough time doing something, and you learn how to do it well, you can recognize when someone else is good at it, too. These books were written by people who really know what they’re talking about. We keep them in our roofing reference library. We rely on them, refer to them, and recommend them.

List of the Best Roofing Reference Books:

1. Architectural Graphic Standards (Ramsey/Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards Series) 12th Edition – American Institute of Architects (Author), Dennis J. Hall (Editor)

The cover of the book Architectural Graphic Standards.

2. Architectural Sheet Metal Manual 7th Edition – SMACNA

The cover of the book Architectural Sheet Metal Manual.

3. A Roof Cutter’s Secrets (to Framing the Custom Home) 3rd Edition by William Holladay.

One of the best books out there on roof framing. Requires a high level of comfort with math. Not particularly geared toward beginners, but the book is incredibly useful and thorough.

The cover of the book A Roof Cutter's Secrets.

4. Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2021 International Building Code Francis D. K. Ching and Steven R. Winkel

The cover of the book Building Codes Illustrated.

5. Building Construction Illustrated 6th Edition by Francis D. K. Ching

The cover of the book Building Construction Illustrated.

6. Construction Waterproofing Handbook 2nd Edition by Michael T. Kubal

The cover of the book Construction Waterproofing.

7. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction 4th Edition by Cyril M. Harris

The cover of the book Dictionary of Architecture and Construction.

8. Green Roof Systems: A Guide to the Planning, Design, and Construction of Landscapes over Structure by Susan Weiler and Katrin Scholz-Barth

The cover of the book Green Roof Systems.

9. Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants (McGraw-Hill Handbooks) 3rd Edition by Edward M. Petrie

The cover of the book Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants.

10. HVAC Duct Construction Standards – Metal and Flexible 4th Edition – SMACNA

The cover of the book HVAC Duct Construction Standards.

11. Manual for Inspection and Maintenance of Built-Up and Polymer-modified Bitumen Roof Systems: A Guide for Building Owners – National Roofing Contractors Association

The cover of the book Manual for Inspection and Maintenance of Built-Up and Polymer-modified Bitumen Roof Systems: A Guide for Building Owners.

12. Manual for Inspection and Maintenance of Spray Polyurethane Foam-based Roof Systems: A Guide For Building Owners – National Roofing Contractors Association

The cover of the book Manual for Inspection and Maintenance of Spray Polyurethane Foam-based Roof Systems: A Guide For Building Owners.

13. Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing 2nd Edition by Justin Henshell

The cover of the book Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing.

14. Manual of Low-Slope Roof Systems 4th Edition by C.W. Griffin and Richard Fricklas

Every property manager, building owner, roofing contractor, and roof inspector involved with “flat” roofs should have a copy of this book. It is a superb introduction to the various types of low-slope roofing that are in use today, as well as being a constantly useful reference, with tables, charts, and information about things from roof insulation to wind issues to roof inspections.

The cover of the book Manual of Low-Slope Roof Systems 4th Edition by C.W. Griffin and Richard Fricklas.

15. For Pros / By Pros: Measuring, Marking & Layout: A Builder’s Guide by John Carroll

The cover of the book For Pros By Pros: Measuring, Marking & Layout: A Builder’s Guide by John Carroll.

16. Metal Building Systems, Third Edition: Design and Specifications by Alexander Newman

The cover of the book Metal Building Systems, Third Edition: Design and Specifications by Alexander Newman.

17. NRCA’s Pocket Guide to Safety – National Roofing Contractors Association

The cover of the book NRCA’s Pocket Guide to Safety.

18. NRCA Roofing Manual—2024 Boxed Set – National Roofing Contractors Association

The cover of the NRCA Roofing Manual—2024 Boxed Set.

19. NRCA Safety Manual Third Edition – National Roofing Contractors Association

The cover of the book NRCA Safety Manual Third Edition.

20. Principles of Home Inspection: Roofing by Carson Dunlop and Associates

The cover of the book Principles of Home Inspection: Roofing by Carson Dunlop and Associates.

21. Principles of Home Inspection: Systems and Standards 3rd Edition by Carson Dunlop and Associates

The cover of the book Principles of Home Inspection: Systems and Standards 3rd Edition by Carson Dunlop and Associates.

22. Problems in Roofing Design by B. Harrison McCampbell

The cover of the book Problems in Roofing Design by B. Harrison McCampbell.

23. Residential Asphalt Roofing Manual Design and Application Methods – National Roofing Contractors Association

The cover of the book Residential Asphalt Roofing Manual Design and Application Methods from the National Roofing Contractors Association.

24. Roofing Design and Practice by Stephen L. Patterson and Dr. Madan Mehta

The cover of the book Roofing Design and Practice by Stephen L. Patterson and Dr. Madan Mehta.

25. Roofing Failures by Carl G. Cash

The cover of the book Roofing Failures by Carl G. Cash.

26. Roofing with Asphalt Shingles (For Pros By Pros) by Mike Guertin

The cover of the book Roofing with Asphalt Shingles (For Pros By Pros) by Mike Guertin.

27. Science and Technology of Traditional and Modern Roofing Systems by Heshmat O. Laaly

OK, this one came out in the early 90’s, but for a long time it was the be-all and end-all of roofing reference books. These books are huge, and even though some of the information is outdated now, they are still full of valuable information. Some things don’t really change.

The covers of the two volumes of Science and Technology of Traditional and Modern Roofing Systems by Heshmat O. Laaly.

28. Siding, Roofing, and Trim: Completely Revised and Updated (Taunton’s For Pros By Pros) by the Editors of Fine Homebuilding

The cover of the book Siding, Roofing, and Trim: Completely Revised and Updated (Taunton’s For Pros By Pros) by the Editors of Fine Homebuilding.

29. The Slate Roof Bible: Everything You Need to Know About the World’s Finest Roof 3rd Edition by Joseph Jenkins

The cover of the book The Slate Roof Bible: Everything You Need to Know About the World’s Finest Roof 3rd Edition by Joseph Jenkins.

30. Technical Notes on Brick Construction – Brick Institute of America

Note: No real reason to buy this one. All the technical notes are now available on the Brick Institute’s website. See here: Technical Notes on Brick Construction.

Technical Notes on Brick Construction Image.jpg

31. Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling 3rd Edition by Charlie Wing