Last edited 01 Jun 2018

Pitched roof

1 Introduction
2 Types of pitched roof
3 Coverings
4 Find out more
- 4.1 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

A pitched roof is a roof that slopes downwards, typically in two parts at an angle from a central ridge, but sometimes in one part, from one edge to another. The ‘pitch’ of a roof is its vertical rise divided by its horizontal span and is a measure of its steepness.

A pitched roof is in contrast to a flat roof which, technically, is any roof with a slope less than 10°; however, in practise they tend to be much shallower, commonly being expressed as a gradient and can be anywhere from 1:40 to 1:80. For more information, see Flat roof.

The two basic construction methods of pitched roofs are:

Cut roof: A traditional method of cutting timber on-site and building up the roof using rafters, joists, purlins, ridge boards, etc.
Truss roof: Prefabricated trusses which are delivered to site and erected.

There are also a number of other framed constructions, such as portal frame roofs.

[edit] Types of pitched roof

There are several different types of pitched roof:

[edit] Mono pitch roof

A mono pitch roof is one which slopes from one side of a building (or part of it) to another. The mono pitch roof was commonly used to form extensions in Victorian times and is still used in a similar fashion today. In domestic construction, it typically comprises a series of rafters fixed to walls at either end of the roof span which support battens to which the roof covering is fixed.

For more information, see Mono pitch roof.

[edit] Couple roof

Often referred to as the simplest form of pitched roof, the couple roof comprises two lengths of timber (rafters) leaning against one another, tied where they meet at the top.

For more information, see Couple roof.

[edit] Closed couple roof

By adding ceiling joists, a length of timber running horizontally between the rafter feet, to the couple roof form, the structure becomes much more secure. The joist acts as a tie preventing the outward deflection of the wall and increases the potential roof-span. they can also be used to support a flat ceiling.

For more information, see Closed couple roof.

[edit] Collar roof

By raising the height of the ceiling joists higher than the bottom of the rafters, the collar roof allows upper rooms to be constructed partly in the roof space, leading to some economies by slightly reducing the height of the external walls and therefore the amount of brickwork needed.

For more information, see Collar roof.

[edit] Purlin roof

In order to increase potential roof spans without compromising wall stability, increasing rafter sizes or attracting extra costs, purlins can be introduced. By installing a purlin into the roof structure, rafters are given extra support and no longer needed to be as thick and heavy.

For more information, see Purlin roof.

[edit] Large section truss

Trusses enable wider spans to be achieved than previous methods. Until the 1920's, it was common to have two trusses in a typical dwelling, however more could be used, depending on the load.

For more information, see Large section truss.

[edit] Trussed rafter

In modern house construction the most common form of trussed rafter is known as the fink or 'w' truss. This consists of a rafter incorporating tension and compression members in the shape of a W. This trussed rafter is capable of spans up to 12 m and can be designed to accommodate many different pitch angles.

For more information, see Trussed rafter.