Definition of the Term "Roof"

A roof is the top covering of a building that protects everything inside from the weather. It
keeps out rain, sun, wind, snow, and dust, helping to make the building safe, dry, and
comfortable.

The roof is made up of:

1. A structure (like timber or steel trusses) that supports the weight of the roof, and
2. A covering (like tiles, metal sheets, or shingles) that stops water and weather from
getting in.
Roofs also:
Help to keep buildings warm or cool (insulation),
Allow water to drain off properly,
Add to the building’s look or style, and
Must be strong enough to carry people or snow if needed.

Roofs come in many shapes and designs depending on where the building is, what it’s used
for, and how it was built. Roofs can be classified as either: - Flat i.e. pitch from 0° to 10° or
Pitched i.e. pitch over 10°

It is worth noting that for design purposes roof pitches over 70° are classified as walls. Roofs
can be designed in many different forms and in combinations of these forms some of which
would not be suitable and/or economic for domestic properties.

Types of Roofs

1. Flat Roof: Description: Almost level with a slight slope (usually 0–10°) for drainage.
Common Use: Commercial buildings, modern homes.
Advantages: Easy to construct, allows for rooftop use (e.g., solar panels, gardens).
Disadvantages: Poor drainage if not well designed.
2. Gable Roof: Description: Two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, forming a triangular
shape.
Common Use: Most residential homes.
Advantages: Simple design, good water drainage, easy to ventilate.
Disadvantages: Prone to wind damage in stormy areas.
3. Hip Roof: Description: All sides of the roof slope downwards to the walls, usually four
sides.
Common Use: Bungalows, cottages, tropical climates.
Advantages: More stable in high wind areas, better durability.
Disadvantages: More complex and expensive to construct.
4. Mansard Roof (French Roof): Description: Four-sided roof with two slopes on each
side – the lower slope is steeper.
Common Use: Classical French buildings, modern townhouses.
Advantages: Creates extra living space (attic or loft).
Disadvantages: Complex design, higher construction cost.
 5. Gambrel Roof: Description: Similar to mansard but has only two sides (like a barn
roof).
Common Use: Barns, storage buildings, colonial homes.
Advantages: Provides large attic space, easy to frame.
Disadvantages: Not ideal for high-wind or heavy snow areas.
6. Shed Roof (Lean-to Roof): Description: Single sloping surface, often attached to a taller
wall.
Common Use: Extensions, sheds, modern minimalist designs.
Advantages: Simple and inexpensive to build.
Disadvantages: Less attic space, limited in style.
7. Butterfly Roof: Description: Two roof surfaces slope inward toward a central valley,
resembling butterfly wings.
Common Use: Modern, eco-friendly homes.
Advantages: Allows for large windows and rainwater collection.
Disadvantages: Complex drainage and maintenance.
8. Dome Roof: Description: Rounded, hemispherical roof.
Common Use: Churches, museums, and unique architectural buildings.
Advantages: Aesthetic appeal, good for large spaces.
Disadvantages: Complex design and high construction cost.
9. Combination Roof: Description: Mix of two or more roof types in one design (e.g.,
gable + hip).
Common Use: Custom residential and commercial buildings.
Advantages: Flexible design, functional and aesthetic.
Disadvantages: Complex construction, requires careful planning.

Terminology of a Roof and Roof Truss

Roof Terminology:
Ridge – The highest horizontal edge where two roof slopes meet.
Eaves – The lower edges of a roof that overhang the building walls.
Gable – The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches.
Valley – The internal angle where two sloping roof sections meet.
Hip – The external angle formed where two roof slopes meet.
Pitch – The slope or steepness of a roof.
Rafters – Sloping structural members supporting the roof covering.
Purlins – Horizontal members fixed between rafters to support roofing sheets or tiles.

Roof Truss Terminology:

Top chord – The upper inclined member of the truss.
Bottom chord/tie beam – The horizontal base of the truss that resists tension.
Web members – Diagonal or vertical members connecting top and bottom chords.
Gusset plates – Flat plates (wood, steel, or plywood) used to connect truss joints.
King post – A central vertical member in some truss designs.
Queen posts – A pair of vertical members in certain truss types.
Requirements of Roofs to Fulfil Their Purpose
A roof should:
1. Be weatherproof – Prevent water penetration during rain and snow.
2. Provide thermal insulation – Help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
3. Be durable – Resist decay, corrosion, and insect attack.
4. Have adequate strength – Withstand dead loads, live loads (snow, maintenance),
and wind loads.
5. Ensure drainage – Provide sufficient slope for water runoff.
6. Be fire-resistant – Especially in areas with strict building codes.
7. Be aesthetically pleasing – Harmonise with the building’s design.

Types of Timber Roof Trusses

King Post Truss – A simple truss with a central vertical post; ideal for short spans.
Queen Post Truss – Similar to king post but with two vertical posts; suitable for medium spans.
Fink Truss – W-shaped web structure; common for residential roofs.
Howe Truss – Diagonal members slope towards the centre; used for longer spans.
Fan Truss – Top chords divided into smaller panels by radiating struts.
Scissor Truss – Sloping bottom chords that create a vaulted ceiling effect.
Attic Truss – Designed to provide a habitable or storage space within the roof

Roof Finishes

 Tiles – Clay, concrete, or slate tiles.

 Metal sheets – Corrugated iron, aluminium, or zinc sheets.
 Shingles – Asphalt, wood, or composite shingles.
 Thatched finish – Natural reed or straw material.
 Membrane roofing – Bitumen or synthetic membranes for flat roofs.
 Green roofs – Vegetation planted over waterproof membranes.

Rainwater Goods
Rainwater goods are systems that collect and channel rainwater away from the roof. They
include:
Gutters – Horizontal channels fixed along eaves to collect water.
Downpipes – Vertical pipes carrying water from gutters to the ground or drainage.
Hoppers – Funnel-shaped devices that feed water into downpipes.
Outlets – Points where water leaves the gutter into the downpipe.
Drainage channels – Ground-level channels directing water away from the building

Materials Used in Manufacturing Roof Trusses

Timber – Softwood (pine, spruce) or hardwood; common in residential construction.
Steel – Lightweight steel sections, galvanised for corrosion resistance.
Aluminium – Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, used in specialised designs.
Engineered wood – Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or glued laminated timber (Glulam) for
greater strength.
Hybrid materials – Combination of steel plates with timber members.

Types of Roof Coverings

Clay tiles – Durable and fire-resistant.
Concrete tiles – Strong, versatile, and economical.
Slate – High-quality, long-lasting natural stone.
Metal sheets – Galvanised steel, aluminium, or zinc.
Asphalt shingles – Economical, easy to install.
Thatched – Traditional, using straw or reeds.
Synthetic roofing – Plastic, composite, or rubber materials.
Green/living roofs – Vegetated covering for environmental benefits.

Health and Safety Requirements When Working on Roofs

Working on roofs presents significant hazards such as falls from height, collapsing structures,
falling materials, and weather-related risks. Therefore, strict health and safety protocols must
be followed to protect workers and the public.

Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)– Before starting any roof work: A detailed
risk assessment must be conducted to identify potential hazards (e.g., fragile surfaces,
unprotected edges, unstable ladders). A method statement should outline safe working
procedures and controls. Both documents should be reviewed and approved by the site safety
officer or project manager.

Fall protection – Falls from height are the leading cause of injury in roofing work. To reduce
this risk: Guardrails or edge protection systems must be installed along all open edges of the
roof. Fall arrest systems, such as safety harnesses with secure anchor points, should be used
when edge protection is not possible. Scaffolding with appropriate platforms and guardrails
must be used for safe access. Safety nets may be installed to catch falling workers or materials
in large or high-level projects.

Weather awareness – Roof work must not proceed during unsafe weather conditions:Work
should be suspended during high winds, heavy rain, or lightning. Ice, snow, or wet surfaces
increase slipping risks and must be cleared before work begins. Heat and sun exposure may
also be hazardous—rest breaks and hydration are essential.

Proper PPE – Workers must wear appropriate PPE, including: Hard hats – to protect against
falling objects. Non-slip safety boots – to reduce slipping on sloped or wet roofs. Safety
harnesses and lanyards – when fall arrest systems are required. High-visibility clothing – to
ensure visibility to crane operators or others. Gloves and eye protection – especially during
cutting, lifting, or handling sharp roofing materials.

Training – Only trained and competent workers should be allowed to carry out roof work: All
workers must undergo roof safety induction training. Training must include the correct use of
PPE, working at height regulations, and emergency procedures. Supervisors should conduct
regular toolbox talks and safety briefings.
Material handling – manual Handling and Material Safety Roofing materials are often heavy
or awkward; manual handling risks should be minimized through training or the use of lifting
equipment. Ensure that materials are secured to prevent them from sliding or falling from the
roof. Use hoists or cranes where necessary to safely transport materials to the roof level.

Assignment Question:
You are the appointed Project Manager for a newly awarded roofing contract. Prepare a
detailed Method Statement for the roofing works, with particular emphasis on health and safety
requirements.
Your method statement should cover the following areas:
Project Overview – Brief description of the project and scope of roofing works.
Types of Roof and Roof Trusses – Identify and justify the types of roof and trusses proposed
for the project.
Work Sequence/Procedures – Step-by-step outline of how the roofing work will be carried out.
Materials and Equipment – Specify the materials and tools/equipment to be used.
Roof Coverings and Finishes – Discuss the types of roof coverings and finishing details.
Rainwater Goods – Describe how rainwater will be managed (gutters, downpipes, etc.).
Health and Safety Measures –
 Risk assessment and hazard identification
 Fall prevention and access control
 Use of PPE (personal protective equipment)
 Emergency procedures
 Training and supervision of workers
Waste Management and Environmental Considerations – Address disposal of waste materials
and sustainability practices.
Compliance with Regulations – Identify relevant national or local building codes and health &
safety standards that must be adhered to.

Submission Guidelines:
Word Count: 1,500–2,000 words
Format: Typed, 1.5 line spacing, with appropriate headings and subheadings
Referencing: Use of appropriate technical references and standards is encouraged
Deadline: