Learning Block #3

Reading Plans & Specifications

Master the art of reading construction drawings and interpreting specifications. Learn to identify roofing scope, coordinate trades, and catch errors before they become costly mistakes.

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Why Reading Plans & Specs Matters

Common Mistakes Cost You Money

  • • Missing scope items buried in specs
  • • Not understanding roofing assembly details
  • • Failing to coordinate with other trades
  • • Overlooking critical submittal requirements
  • • Misreading elevation changes and transitions

Proper Plan Reading Gives You

  • • Complete, accurate scope identification
  • • Better coordination = fewer conflicts
  • • Competitive advantage on complex projects
  • • Fewer change orders and surprises
  • • Professional credibility with GCs

What You'll Learn

📐

Reading Construction Drawings

  • •Title blocks and cover sheets
  • •Architectural vs. Structural plans
  • •Roof plans, elevations, and sections
  • •Detail callouts and references
  • •Scale and measurement conventions
  • •Symbols and abbreviations
📖

Understanding Specifications

  • •CSI MasterFormat organization
  • •Division 07 - Thermal & Moisture Protection
  • •Section 07 50 00 - Membrane Roofing
  • •Reading general vs. specific requirements
  • •Submittal and sample requirements
  • •Product approval and substitutions
🏗️

Scope Identification

  • •Defining roofing scope boundaries
  • •Identifying related scope (flashing, insulation)
  • •Understanding what's included vs. excluded
  • •Reading allowances and unit prices
  • •Spotting conflicting information
  • •Knowing when to submit an RFI
🔗

Multi-Discipline Coordination

  • •Reading mechanical, electrical, plumbing plans
  • •Identifying roof penetrations and equipment
  • •Coordinating with HVAC curbs and supports
  • •Understanding structural requirements
  • •Reading fall protection anchor locations
  • •Fireproofing and firestopping coordination
🔍

Detail Analysis

  • •Roof edge details (gravel stop, coping, parapet)
  • •Penetration flashing details
  • •Valley, ridge, and hip assemblies
  • •Transition details between systems
  • •Warranty-compliant assembly buildups
  • •Manufacturer vs. custom details
✅

Quality Control & Compliance

  • •Verifying code compliance requirements
  • •FM Global vs. UL assembly requirements
  • •Wind uplift and fire rating specifications
  • •Energy code compliance (R-value, air barriers)
  • •Testing requirements (flood, core cuts)
  • •Closeout document requirements

Free Learning Resources

Start learning with these free guides and videos

📄

Construction Drawing Basics Cheat Sheet

PDF Download

Free PDF download covering the essentials of reading construction plans - symbols, abbreviations, scale, and conventions.

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🎥

Understanding CSI MasterFormat (Video)

Video Tutorial

15-minute video explaining how specifications are organized and where to find roofing requirements.

Access Free Resource →
📋

Plan Reading Checklist

Checklist

Step-by-step checklist to ensure you don't miss critical information when reviewing plans and specs.

Access Free Resource →
📖

Common Roofing Symbols & Abbreviations

Reference Guide

Reference guide to the most common symbols and abbreviations you'll see on roofing plans.

Access Free Resource →

Related Courses & Products

Estimating Fundamentals

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Complete course covering plan reading, scope development, and accurate estimating.

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Template Bundle

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Professional estimating templates for all major roofing systems.

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Ready to Master Plan Reading?

Join the Estimating Fundamentals course and learn the complete system for reading plans, understanding specs, and developing accurate scope.

Enroll in Full Course - $497 →Get MC2 Pro Membership