Pitched Roof

Pitched Roof

How to Build a Pitched Roof

The benefits of a pitched roof

Damp, leakages and rot are a few of the problems facing many roofs after a few years. This is especially true for flat roofs. Raising the pitch of a roof is an effective way to prevent water damage by allowing water, snow and ice to run down faster.

Deciding on pitched roof type

There are two types to choose from when deciding on building a pitched roof. A 'cut roof' is the traditional pitched roof that is built from scratch entirely on site. A 'truss roof' is prefabricated with the trusses already cut and constructed. The entire frame is delivered to your site and the project is much simpler.

First steps

Whether it is a 'cut roof' or a 'truss roof' you have chosen, your roof still needs to be designed and the plans need to be quantified and calculated. Important considerations in your calculations are the size and pitch of your roof. The ratio between the height and length of your roof, known as the rise and run, is how you get your final pitch.

Once you have all your calculations worked out you, will be able to determine just how much timber you are going to need. Remember to include rafters, joists and the wall plate in your calculations.

Determining the size of your rafters is a matter of measuring the length the rafters will run from the wall plate to the ridge. If the space between rafters is to be wider, you will need to calculate for wider timber. Measure the height of your wall plate according to what will eventually sit on top of your roof such as shingles.

Nowadays computer software is available that will allow you to design your roof more accurately and efficiently. It will make all the necessary calculations for you and work out the correct dimensions. As calculations can become messy and complicated this software is a valuable tool.

Pitched roof construction

1. The rafter pattern and layout is chosen. This is a template for all your rafters.

2. Rafters are traced out and cut. The length of your ridge determines how many rafters will be needed.

3. Calculate the layout and elevation of the ridge and make sure the ridge board is level. Each rafter is to be placed along this board.

4. To install the rafters they first need to be secured to the ridge. Once this is done they are nailed to the plates alongside the joists.

5. Give your roof extra support and prevent sagging by installing bracing. Once this is done the final roofing material can be placed. Collectively your roofing includes the roofing paper, sheathing and shingles.

6. The final touch on any pitched roof is of course the trim.

The steps may be simple but building a good pitched roof requires true calculations and skilled craftsmanship. You want a roof that will weather the years well so don't take risks with miscalculation and substandard work, rather call in a professional to build a fault free pitched roof for you.

About the Author

Brian Simons works for PCR Roofing Leeds, a roofing company based in West Yorkshire England.

Can tubular skylights be installed on a small pitched roof?

Should be able to. As long as there is enough clearance, etc. The ones I've seen are adjustable, or at least forgiving in terms of pitch -- within reason.

Are you concerned about leakage due to the pitch or something?