Roofs

Swara Shah

Roofs
The uppermost part of a building which is constructed in the
form of framework to give protection to the building against rain,
heat, snow, wind, etc.
A roof basically consists of structural elements provided at the
top of the building for the support of roof coverings
The structural elements consists of;
- Trusses
- Portals
- Slabs
- Domes
- A. C sheets covering
- G. I sheets coverings
- Shingles
- Slates, etc

Requirements of good roofs

Following are the requirements of a well planned roof;
1. It should be durable against the adverse effects of various
agencies such as wind, rain, sun, etc.
2. It should grant the desirable insulation against sound and heat.
3. It should be structurally stable and sound and it should be
capable of taking the loads likely to come over it.
4. It should be well-drained.
5. It should have efficient water-proofing arrangements.
6. It should be fire resistance

Classification of roofs
The roofs are classified into the following three categories:
1. Flat or terraced roofs
2. Pitched or slopping roofs
3. Curved roofs
Flat roofs are used in plains where rainfall is less and climate is
moderate.
Pitched roofs are preferred wherever rainfall is more.
Shells and folded plate roofs are used to cover large column free
areas required for auditoriums, factories etc.
The choice of the type of roof will depend on the climatic conditions,
shape of building, availability of materials, importance of building,
etc.

Pitched Roofs
In the areas of heavy rain falls and snow fall sloping roof are used.
The slope of roof shall be more than 10. They may have slopes as
much as 45 to 60 also. The sloped roofs are known as pitched
roofs. The sloping roofs are preferred in large spanned structures like
workshops, factory buildings and ware houses. In all these roofs
covering sheets like A.C. sheet, G.I. sheets, tiles, slates etc. are
supported on suitable structures.
The pitched roofs are classified into;
a) Single roofs
b) Double or purlin roofs
c) Trussed roofs

Pitched Roofs
Single roofs
If the span of roof is less than 5 m the following types of single roofs
are used.
1. Lean-to-roof
2. Couple roof
3. Couple-close roof
4. Collar beam roof
In all these roofs rafters placed at 600 mm to 800 mm spacing are
main members taking load of the roof. Battens run over the rafters to
support tiles.

Lean-to roof
Rafters slope to one side only.
One wall is carried up higher
than the another one to give the
necessary slope ( usually 30).
Wooden wall plate is supported
to the wooden or stone corbel.
Common rafters are suitably
secured on the wall-plates and
eaves boards.
Battens and roof covering is
provided as shown.
Suitability:
It is generally used for sheds, out-houses attached to main buildings, verandahs

Couple roofs
Couple or pair of rafters.
Slope to both the sides of the
ridge.
Upper ends of each rafter is
nailed in common ridge. Lower
ends are nailed in wall plates
embedded in the masonry walls.
Battens and roof covering is
provided as shown.
Tendency to spread out at the
feet.
Suitability:
This type of roof is used for span up to about 3.60 m

Coupled closed roof

This roof is similar to
couple roof except that the
feet of common rafters are
connected by a tie beam,
preventing the spread
out and overturning of
walls

Suitability:
This type of roofs are adopted economically up to a span of 4.20 m

Collar beam roof

This roof is variation of
couple close roof
The tie beam is raised and
placed at a higher level.
The tie beam is the known
as a collar or a collar beam.
A collar beam is adopted to
economise the space, to
increase the strength and to
increase the height of room.
The collar beam is usually
fixed at one-third to one-half
the vertical height from the
ridge.

Suitability:
The roof can be adopted up to a
maximum span of 4.80m

Double or Purlin Roofs

If span exceeds, the cost of rafters increase and single roof becomes
uneconomical.
For spans more than 5 m double purlin roofs are preferred.
The intermediate support is given to rafters by purlins supported
over collar beams. Figure shows a typical double or purlin roof.

Trussed Roof
If span is more, a frame work of slender members are used to support
sloping roofs. These frames are known as trusses.
A number of trusses may be placed lengthwise to get wall free longer
halls.
Purlins are provided over the trusses which in turn support roof
sheets.

King-post truss
King post truss consist of following components :

Lower beam
Two inclined principal rafters
Two struts
A king post

King-post truss
Spacing of the king post truss is limited to 3 m center to center . This truss is suitable
for spans varying from 5 m to 8 m.

King-post truss
Tie beam receives the end of principal rafters , and prevent the wall from spreading
out due to thrust .
The king post prevent the tie beam from sagging at its center of span.
The struts connected to the tie beam and principal rafters in inclined direction,
prevent the sagging of principal rafters.
The truss is supported on the bed blocks of stone or concrete.

King-post truss

End details

King-post truss

King-post truss

Queen-post truss
A queen post truss is differ from king post truss in having two vertical posts , rather than one.
The vertical posts are known as queen posts, the top of which are connected by a horizontal piece ,
known as straining beam.

Queen-post truss

Two struts are provided to join the feet of each queen post to the principal rafter .
The straining beam receives the thrust from the principal rafters and keep the junction in stable
position.
A straining sill is introduced on the tie beam between the queen posts to counteract the thrust from
inclined struts.
These trusses are suitable for spans between 8 to 12 m.

Queen-post truss

Trussed Roof
Depending upon the span, trusses of different shapes are used.

Trussed Roof