Roof Construction

Most roof types found in extensions of today are either pitched (sloping) with a tile covering or flat, with a boarded and bituminous waterproof barrier.

There are two main types of roof construction for pitched roof's

– traditional cut and pitch, this method is when the timbers will be bought in and cut to length and fixed, using traditional and modern techniques, by the carpenter, again structural designs will be necessary for this part of the work. One advantage of this method is that a roof can be constructed to allow a clear space internally for a loft conversation if needed or could be a possibility in the future.

– the other method is trussed rafters – this is when you can send your design to a trussed rafter manufacturer, where they will design, and make the trusses in their factory, their design can be given to the building officer, and delivered to site for the carpenter to erect – this method is normally quicker and more cost effective, but not always possible when building extensions to incorporate connecting to the existing roof. It may be necessary to hire a crane to lift these trusses, pre-arrange this with your carpenter and truss manufacturer.

The differences between the two roof constructions can be seen form the coloured images above and below.

An example of a flat roof.