Page 26 - The Tiny House Tactical Guide from Green Builder

CHAPTER 04

THE BUILDING

SCIENCE OF SMALL

Putting readily available commercial systems to

work in the Tiny House arena could raise the bar on

strength and efficiency.

Light top. Aluminum
roofing is just one
material that can reduce
tiny house weight.

PHOTO: TINYHOUSEROOF.COM

ARE LIGHTER, CODE-COMPLIANT TINY HOMES VIABLE?

We believe the answer is yes, with the right combination of products and engineering.

CAN TINY HOMES BE CONSTRUCTED TO SITE-BUILT STANDARDS at half the 0.7 pounds per square foot, or 112 pounds. Installed properly, both materials
weight? Our own Green Builder editor Matt Power will be presenting on this can meet stringent building codes.
topic at the Tiny House Jamboree at the end of August in Austin. Then there’s the steel framing alternative (see sidebar). The goal is to drop
The key is to look at the biggest weight offenders first: framing, roofing, a tiny home’s weight below about 6,000 pounds., which is often the limit for
sheathing, insulation and siding. Whittle down the pounds from there. standard pickup truck towing.
As just one example, asphalt modified shingles weigh about 3 pounds per Power’s presentation at the Jamboree will include many other specific
square foot. A 160-square-foot tiny house shed roof might weigh 480 pounds recommendations for lowering the overall weight of tiny homes. He’ll also explain
by comparison, 16-gauge aluminum standing seam metal roofs weigh about how lighter tiny homes can still offer superior wind and wildfire resistance.

26 THE TINY HOUSE TACTICAL GUIDE