Welcome to the secret world of Construction Project Management. In these pages we tell you what building services components we use to make your building.
Pitched Roofs
A pitched roof has two or more sides that slope in opposite directions. This is the most common type of roof construction in the UK.
Main features of pitched roof structure
Pitched roofs are constructed using a system of rafters, purlins and trusses constructed from timber. The roof is commonly built into a triangular shape which is covered with roofing tiles of varying materials. The tiles feed the water into gutters that surround the roof and channel rainwater down into the drainage system.
Advantages of pitched roofs
Provide a large volume of loft space
Provide improved drainage when compared with flat roofs
Long lifespan
Wide variety of materials can be used to achieve various architectural styles
Disadvantages of pitched roofs
High cost
High maintenance
Challenging installation
Key Words
Rafters: timber beams that connect to the exterior walls and frame the shape of the roof
Purlins: horizontal structural member that supports the roof covering
Trusses: engineered, structural framework of triangulated timbers that provides support for the roof
Gutters: open top circular drainage channels installed along the edge of the roof to catch rainwater flowing off the roof and directing it into the downpipes