ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the principles and practice of traditional and modern pitched roof structures. It focuses on the traditional roofs; modern roofs, including trussed rafter roofs and recent development; explains the specific issue of avoiding condensation within pitched roofs. Timber, particularly imported softwood, is the primary material used in domestic pitched roof structures. Millions of traditional roofs remain in existence. They are often referred to as ‘cut’ roofs. The simplest of pitched roofs is the ‘lean-to’ or mono pitch roof. At the top of traditional double-pitched roofs, a timber ridge board will span from gable to gable. This provided a fixing for the top of the pairs of rafters and prevented their lateral movement. The most common solution, in all types of traditional roofs, was to secure the ceiling joists to a horizontal member, called a binder. The majority of houses with traditional roofs are too deep for simple closed couple or collar roofs.
