A roof is a significant component of a building because it provides insulation against environmental conditions. “A pitched roof is a roof for which one or more surfaces are pitched more than ten degrees, and alternately a roof with two slopes that meet a central ridge”.(Burren & Vogt, 2009) Roofs that have sloping surfaces are usually treated as a pitched roof. In this case, the roof surfaces are equally pitched on both sides. However, the angle at which they are pitched may vary considerably due to aesthetic reasons. There are many models of making pitch roofs. For instance, a single pitch roof simply has a horizontal section fitted at an angle. The pitch angle is never static, and its size is determined by the size of the structure and the roof surfaces.
Pitched Roof Layers
A pitch roof is basically made up of an inner layer, which supports the entire roof structure. The first layer consists of the roof support. Several mechanisms can be used to prop up a pitched roof. Typically, heavy beams were utilized a significant construction roofing material for supporting pitched roofs. “Modern pitched roofs may be supported with trusses, which are hidden behind the ceiling, creating a flat ceiling inside a home with a pitched roof”(Watts, 2010). The use of trusses is always recommended since they enhance the strength of the roof, hence, making it safe from vandalism. Moreover, trusses are more affordable compared to heavy beams.
The outer layer is the second component of a pitched roof, and it usually mounted on the roof support. The outer layer protects a building from exposure to weather. Several materials can be applied in making the outer layer of a pitch roof, and they include the following. Asbestos is one of the materials that can be used in the outer layer. It was mainly utilized during the 20th century because it was cheap and non-flammable. Besides this, asbestos exhibits better insulation qualities. However, it was abandoned due to health complications associated with handling.
Baked tiles can also serve as materials for the outer layer, and they can be produced in different shapes and colors. Although not widely used, copper and leader have the capacity of producing sheet metals that can be used in the outer layer. The metal sheets have the advantage of making durable roofs, but they are costly. Iron sheets often serve as a primary roofing material owing to their simple application. Terra cotta and wood shakes are also used in making the outer layer.
Pitched Roof Insulation
The effectiveness of a pitched roof is always enhanced by insulation. Roof insulation can be achieved through various mechanisms. In this case, “a roof can be insulated above, between, and below the rafters”(Burren & Vogt, 2009). These insulation options can be applied together in some cases. A warm roof refers to a situation whereby insulation is done over the rafters. “It is referred to as sarking insulation, while insulation between and /or under rafters is called hybrid roofs”(Watts, 2010). Insulation mitigates potential condensation that may affect various parts of the roof such as the structural membranes.
Insulation Materials
Insulation of a pitched roof can be done using many insulating materials. For example, “glass fiber quilt or mineral fiber quilt in a roll can be placed between the ceiling joists and a second layer in the opposite direction over the joists”(Burren & Vogt, 2009). The second material involves the application of mineral fiber. “The application of this material is quite complicated since it involves blowing cellulose fiber into the attic between and above ceiling joists”(Watts, 2010). Lastly, ceiling boards are also applicable in roof insulation. For instance, a ceiling can be fixed below the roof structure. The ceiling is important in the sense that it protects a building from extreme warmth. It also absorbs noise, and traps dirt form the roof.