The 12 Steps of Self Build: Roofs

For such an important element in both the structure and the overall look of a house, the roof receives surprisingly little attention. Look around any estate and you will see house upon house of thoughtless, cheaply clad roofs. Considering the roof will probably be your home’s most exposed feature, it’s really not an area to be overlooked or skimped upon. There are important consid erations here about how it is built, how it is covered and, critically, what you want to do with the space inside.

For most of the 20th century, house - builders were content to leave internal loft spaces well alone, but in the past decade this has all changed and now most people opt for using all the available internal space on offer, and this usually translates as making the loft space habitable. If you think you will require more space in the future, you would be wise to factor this in now.

The Anatomy of a Roof

Before reading through this feature, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the various components that make up a roof’s structure, as you must know exactly what each section is referring to, in order to ensure you fully understand the decisions you will need to make.

Find out more about roofing:

• Designing the Roof
• Roof Coverings
• Edging Details

What Type of Roof is That?

A quick glance at some of the many possible roof styles

ABOVE, clockwise from top left: Monopitch leading to flat section (read more); duopitch, slate (read more); Curved, metal and sedum (read more); Catslide, tiled (read more); Curved and angled, metal (read more). BELOW, clockwise from top left: Curved, tiled (read more); Flat steel, overhanging (read more); Hipped, zinc; Flat, curved slate (read more); Duopitch with turret, slate.

The 12 Steps of Self Build:

• Step One: Starting Out
• Step Two: Your Route
• Step Three: Construction Systems
• Step Four: Groundworks & Foundations
• Step Five: Roofs
• Step Six: Windows & Doors
• Step Seven: External Appearance
• Step Eight: Heating & Plumbing
• Step Nine: Electrics
• Step Ten: Kitchens & Bathrooms
• Step Eleven: Internal Finishes
• Step Twelve: Outside Spaces