house.jpgIntroduction
A timber roof truss is a structural framework designed to span the space above a room and to provide support for a roof.Trusses occur at regular intervals, linked together with longitudinal timbers such as purlins. The space between each truss is called a bay. A truss looks like a triangle or arch which creates the profile shape of the roof. Trusses are connected together by means of bolts which are passed through toothed plates and strapped together.
The benefits of being able to standardise the qualities
and features of a finished product will always maximise efficiencies in the use
of materials and their costs.
You will learn
- Triple roofs
- Trussed rafter construction
roofs.jpgIn this course, learn about flat roof structures and construction.
Introduction
In a flat roof, the waterproofing is always supported by a structural roof deck. This is usually a timber boarding of some type, which in turn is supported on joists. The ceiling, if any, is usually fixed directly to the underside of the joists.Garages may be un-insulated, but most roofs above the habitable part of the house are insulated to comply with Building Regulations.
In houses, the insulation is sometimes placed immediately above the ceiling (and below the roof deck), or above the roof deck (beneath the waterproof covering).
These two design options provide the basis for warm and cold roofs.
You will learn
- Flat roof main elements
- Strength and stability
- Typical construction
- Problems with flat roofs
Flat roofs course.pngIn this course, learn about flat roof structures and construction.
Introduction
Flat roofs are the simplest type of roof construction and the cheapest to construct. However, these benefits also have some drawbacks, as they tend to leak and need a lot more maintenance than pitched roofs.Despite the name, a flat roof is not flat, they are built with a slight pitch, running from the highest level, often abutting another part of the building, away to the lower end, where water run-off is collected in guttering.
The angle of a flat roof is approximately 10°and this translates into a slope ratio of approx. 1:60 to 1:80, i.e. every 60 cm of running length, the drop would be 1 cm.
You will learn
- Flat roof main elements
- Strength and stability
- Typical construction
- Problems with flat roofs
Roof- course .jpgIn this course learn about understanding roof construction.
Introduction
The climate conditions can be varied. There are four seasons which are Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, and each season can bring their own challenges for our roofing systems.
Most roofs are pitched because of the climate and this allows water, snow and ice to drain away. This helps to maintain the various types of roofing materials and limits the maintenance of the structure. Pitched roofs are effective and allow moisture to disperse and be taken away. Elements such as snow and rain can damage roofing materials, so the pitched roof is vital.
A roofing system is not only a way of removing unwanted snow or water but can also provide stability to a building. Later on we will look at various types of roofs and identify their pitch and shape.
A large percentage of buildings in the UK have a flat roof system. However, a flat roof system would need to be self-supporting and also be able to support any additional weight that is gained by either rain or snow. A flat roof would benefit from a slight camber e.g. up to ten degrees.
Prefabricated roof systems are ready made or in kit form, whereas traditional or modern are cut and made on-site.
You will learn
- Climate and considerations
- Stability through structure
- The anatomy of a roof
- Types of roofing
- Roofing coverings
- Roofing components
Energy Efficiency.pngIn this course, learn about the benefits of thermal insulation and how it works in roof spaces.
Introduction
Thermal insulation has key benefits for protecting the environment; it reduces the amount of energy used from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas. For this reason, thermal insulation is an important factor in promoting sustainability.Insulation has the greatest potential for reducing CO2 emissions. Carbon dioxide (i.e. the ‘greenhouse’ gas) is directly linked to global warming as it traps heat within the atmosphere and changes climatic temperatures across the globe.
Energy conserved through the use of insulation far outweighs the energy used in its manufacture. Only when a building achieves a ‘Low-Heat’ standard does insulation’s embodied carbon become significant.
You will learn
In this course we look at the benefits of thermal insulation and how it works in roof spaces:
- Efficiency and effectiveness
- Insulation materials
- Roofs, attics and lofts
- Flat roofs