CARPENTRY

ROOFS WITH SLOPING CEILINGS, DORMERS, UNEQUAL PITCHES AND

SPLAYED ENDS.
References

House Alterations and Additions, RJ Willson

House Building, A Practical Guide RJ Willson
NZS 3604:1999
SANZ
Rafter lengths and Bevels
Woods / Willson
BRANZ House Building Guide
BRANZ
BRANZ House Insulation Guide BRANZ

For competency assessment you will need to:

(a) Describe the setting out and construction of exposed rafters and beams.
(b) Describe the selection and installation of sheet lining and bracing, purlins, insulation
and vapour barriers, eaves framing.
(c)

Describe the principles of roof geometry applying to dormer windows to obtain roof
lengths and bevels.

(d) Describe the construction of lean to, gable, and hipped dormer windows in framed and
truss roof construction.
(e)

Describe the principles of roof geometry applying to unequal pitch and splayed end
roofs to obtain roof lengths and bevels.

(f)

Describe the construction of unequal pitch and splayed end roofs in framed and truss
roof construction including intersection details.

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

A.

Page.2

EXPOSED RAFTERS AND BEAMS

Timber exposed rafters and beams are used for:

appearance and

increase air space within a room.

Structural beams are engineered designed.

Timber exposed rafters and beams may be stained or clear coated with polyurethane
to utilise the appearance of the timber grain. Timber rafters and beams must be
selected dry and sanded.

Rafters are spaced at 1200 mm centres maximum for light weight roofing and
900mm centres maximum for heavy weight roofing.

Rafters may be supported by a ridge beam, top plate, walls, or beams.

Refer to BRANZ house Building Guide fig. 6.7 (b) pg.139; fig. 5.21 pg.127

To prevent uplift in strong wind zone, fixings should be:

(a) to the ride beam - housing 10 mm deep with building strap tied across the top.
Refer to NZS 3604:1999, fig 10.5,fig 10.6 and fig 10.7
or
birdsmouthed over the ridge beam with building strap tied across the top
Refer to NZS 3604:1999, fig 10.4
(b) to top plate or intermediate beam - birdsmouthed with fixings of nails and wire
dogs or framing anchors.

Rafters are set out at equal spacings.

Exposed hip or valley rafter joints must be fitted neatly to the top plate, ridge beams
or walls, particularly on the bottom edge where it will be seen.

Beams must be adequately supported right through to the ground. This may mean
altering the position of a bearer or pile at the foundation stage. Allow for double studs
under all beams.

SHEET LINING AND BRACING

Sheet lining and bracing in the roof plane are placed and fixed directly to the top of
the rafters.

Intermediate support is obtained by back nailing into the underside of the purlins
placed over the lining. If a 10 mm lining is used, purlins should be spaced at
600 mm centres maximum.

Linings may also be used as a ceiling diaphragm.

(Refer to NZS 3604:1999, Section 13.5 and Winstone Wallboards: Gib Bracing
System)

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.3

PURLINS, INSULATION AND VAPOUR BARRIERS

PURLINS
To allow a 100 mm minimum space for insulation, purlins will have to be:
Refer to NZS 3604:1999, fig 10.5 and fig 10.7
(a)

100 x 50 on edge or

(b)

standard purlins i.e. 75 mm x 50 mm on flat fixed to the dummy rafters

Refer to NZS 3604:1999, fig 10.18, fig 10.19, and fig 20, table 10:1 and table 10:11

If the ceiling lining i.e. sarking have to be back nailed, method (a) will be the
recommended option... Refer to NZS 3604:1999, 10.2.1.16.5 (b) and Table 10:11
INSULATION (fibreglass batts, polystyrene, macerated paper etc) is placed tight into the
space between the ceiling lining and roofing.
VAPOUR BARRIER is only recommended in special situations such as skillion roofs in very cold
environments (snow and ice), indoor swimming pools and spa poolrooms, air- conditioned rooms, spaces
containing wet areas, cold stores. This design issue should be resolved before construction begins. For
further reading, refer to BRANZ Bulletin 368 (Preventing moisture problems in timber framed skillion
roofs).
EAVES FRAMING may be boxed or raking. Where rafters are exposed inside, they are
often exposed outside and can be used without a fascia board.

The eaves lining should be a moisture resistant product i.e. fibre cement

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.4

WORK SHEET 1
1.

Give two timbers you could recommend for exposed rafter construction.
(i) _____________________________________________________________________________
(ii)_____________________________________________________________________________

2.

What is the maximum spacing of rafters with a concrete tile roof? ____________________

3.

List 3 materials that could be used as a ceiling lining on exposed rafters.

(i) _____________________________________________________________________________
(ii)_____________________________________________________________________________
(iii) ____________________________________________________________________________

4.

What is the minimum R-value for ceiling insulation? _______________________________

5.

Give 3 examples where a vapour barrier might be necessary

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Vapour Barrier
ONLY IF
RECOMMENDED

Sarking
.e.g.
Particle
board, ply,
gibboard

Building strap 6
nails
on each rafter

Roof covering
(.5 mm iron roof)

Purlin 75x50 flat with

dummy rafter or 100x50
on edge.

Ridge beam
(solid or
laminated
timber

Insulation i.e. Pink

Batts (R1.9 min)
10 mm recess
into ridge
beam

Building paper
Exposed rafter
(Pine or
Douglas fir)

25 mm cavity
between
insulation and
top of purlin

Intermediate beam
(solid or laminated)

Solid blocking
Copper or
Galv cap

Top plate

Stud

H3.2 if exposed
to weather

DORMER WINDOW GEOMETRY

Dormer windows are built out from a sloping roof and themselves can be roofed with:
1.
Gable
2.

Hip

3.

Lean to or

4.

A frame

Fig. 1

from House Alterations and Additions by RJWillson

Where gable, hip, or' A' frame dormers are used, two valleys are required. If the pitch of the
dormer roof is the same as the main roof, valleys will always be at 45 in plan. Roof lengths
and bevels will be the same as for normal valley roof construction.
However, where the dormer window roof pitch is greater or lesser than the main roof,
unequal valleys will result.

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.7

Fig 2

Development and/or calculation of lengths and bevels for roof geometry, applying to
unequal pitched roofs. Refer to section E. Unequal Pitch and Splayed End Roof
Geometry page 11.
Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

CONSTRUCTION OF DORMERS

Lean to

Page.8

(a)

From main ridge -- dormer rafters will fix to the main ridge but will have
different plumb and seat cuts.

(b)

Down from main ridge -- dormer rafters will fix to a trimmer or possibly a
wall.
The trimmer will have to be large enough to support the weight of the main
roof and dormer rafters.

Gable
Gable roofed dormers will be framed from the main roof which may be:
(a)

Trusses (attic, scissors)

(b)

Large rafters (200 x 50 and bigger)

The dormer framing may be supported by the main roof or may go right down
to the floor.
Construction of the valleys for the dormer is usually done by using a scotch
valley. (lay boards) See fig 3 & 4 for construction details. See also Rafter
Lengths and Bevels

fig 3

from House Alterations and Additions by RJWillson

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

fig. 4

Page.9

from House Alterations and Additions by RJWillson

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.10

UNEQUAL PITCH AND SPLAYED END ROOF GEOMETRY

Unequal pitch hipped roofs

15

Unequal hip
Pitch
300
45

30

Pitch 15

45
Pitch
0
30

450

450

Pitch 300

45

45

45

Pitch 15

Pitch 15

45

Pitch 15

Pitch 300

Unequal hip
PLANS - UNEQUAL PITCH ROOF
fig .5
2.

Splayed end hipped roofs, equal pitch

All common and jack

rafters at right angles to
the top plate

Centreline of hip bisects

the corner
Fig. 6
Some general rules for roof geometry
(a)
(b)

Where roof surfaces are at the same pitch, hips always bisect the corner angle.
Therefore, for a right angle corner, hips are at 45. (see fig 5)
Unequal hip lengths have to be calculated using Pythagoras.

(c)

As maximum spacings cannot be exceeded, jack rafters on the lower pitched roof will
be closer together.

(d)

Edge bevels for unequal hips and jacks will have to be developed.

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.11

UNEQUAL PITCH and SPLAYED END ROOF CONSTRUCTION

General rules for construction

1

All set out and construction should be based on centre lines of members.

Trusses can be obtained for unequal and splayed end construction.

If exposed rafters are used, set out and cut all members from the bottom edge to
ensure a tight fit and good appearance when looking from below.

150

Hip rafter
developed

Top edge cut

Plumb cut

300

PLAN

Top edge cut

300
Plumb cut

Thrust rafter
developed

300

PLAN
Fig. 7
Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.12

CARPENTRY
CALCULATIONS
EQUAL PITCH HIP ROOFS (REVISION)
For the calculation of all members of an equally pitched hip roof use the following:
1

Common rafter (CR)

length CR
length OH

= secant pitch x run

= secant pitch x OH run

Hip rafter (HR)

length HR
length OH

= CR length2 + CR run2
= CR OH length2 + OH run2

Ridge

length building - width (span) building

Jack rafters (JR)

diminishing = secant pitch x rafter spacing

Roof slope area

slope area

= secant pitch x plan area

Example
For the roof shown calculate:
(a)
CR length to birdsmouth
(b)
CR total length
(c)
HR length to birdsmouth
(d)
HR total length
(e)
Ridge length
(f)
JR diminishing
(g)
roof slope area

22 pitch

600

(a)

CR length (bmth) = secant 22 x run

= 1.0785 x 2.83
= 3.052 Ans

(b)

CR total length

(c)

HR length (bmth) = 3.0522 + 2.832

= 17.324
= 4.162 Ans

(d)

HR total length

= 3.6992 + 3.432
= 25.448
= 5.045 Ans

(e)

Ridge length

= building length - building width

= 7.3 - 5.66
= 1.640 Ans

(f)

JR diminishing

= 1.0785 x 0.9
= 971mm Ans

5.660

7.300

= 1.0785 x (2.83 + 0.6)

= 1.0785 x 3.43
= 3.699 Ans

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

(g)

Slope area

= 1.0785 x 8.5 x 6.86

= 62.89m2 Ans
Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.13

CARPENTRY
CALCULATIONS
UNEQUAL PITCH AND SPLAYED END ROOFS
For competency assessment you will need to:
(a)
(b)
(c)

Understand the principles of splayed end and unequal pitch hip roof calculations.
Calculate lengths of all members of a hip roof with a splayed end.
Calculate lengths of all members of a hip roof with an unequal pitch.

SPLAYED END AND UNEQUAL PITCHED ROOFS

All calculations are done on the centre line of all members and no deductions are
allowed for the thickness of any members. (This is done on site)

Where the roof pitch or the included angle is known, use secants and/or tangents to
obtain all lengths.

If the angle or pitch is not known, use Pythagoras.

SPLAYED END ROOF CALCULATIONS

Example

18.880

For the roof shown calculate:

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

length of CR
length of all HRs
length of ridge
11.200
JR diminishing for all HRs
Splay end thrust rafter position 0

X
(2)

(1)

pitch 15

(3)
Y

(a)

Length of CR

(b)

Length of HRs
HR (1) length

= 5.6 x 1.0353
= 5.798

14.800
fig 1

= CR length2 + CR run2
= 5.7982 + 5.62
= 64.977
= 8.061

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

HR (2) length

= CR

Page.14

length2

4.080
70

X2

To calculate both HR (1) & (2) distance X must

be calculated first.
Angle at splay end = (18.88 - 14.8) 11.2
= 4.08 11.2
= 0.364
= 20 (use inverse tangent)
Therefore angle at other corner = 90 - 20
= 70
(see fig 2)

11.200

20
fig 2

Distance Y = 5.6 x tan 35

= 5.6 x 0.7
= 3.920
(see fig 3)
Distance X = 3.92 + 4.08
= 8.000
(b)

HR (2) length

HR (3) length

35
5.6

= CR length2 + X2
= 5.7982 + 82
= 97.6168
= 9.880

55
55
Y
fig 3

= CR length2 + Y2
= 5.7982 + 3.922
= 48.983
= 6.998

(c)

Length of ridge = 14.8 - (5.6 + 3.92)

= 5.280

(d)

JR diminishing on HR (1)

= sec 15 x 0.9 (rafter spacing)

= 932mm

JR diminishing on HR (2)

= sec 15 x tan 35 x 0.9

= 652mm

JR diminishing on HR (3)
(e)

= sec 15 x tan 55 x 0.9

= 1.331
Position of splay end thrust rafter = 3.920
(distance Y)

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.15

8.600
Problem
1
For the roof shown calculate:
length of: ridge
hip rafter (1)
hip rafter (2)
hip rafter (3)

(2)
4.800
(1)

(3)
7.200

UNEQUAL PITCH ROOF CALCULATIONS

Rafter runs
To find runs of rafters where only the pitches in degrees are given:
(a)
Run of steep pitch CR = span (* + 1)
where * = tan large pitch tan shallow pitch

rise

fig 4

30

15

steep run

shallow run
span 9.000

Example:

(see fig 4)

(a)

Run of steep CR

= 9 [(tan 30 tan 15) + 1]

= 9 [(0.5774 0.2679) + 1]
= 9 [2.155 + 1]
= 9 3.155
= 2.853

(b)

Run of shallow CR

= 9 - 2.853
= 6.147

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.16

Rafter lengths
Calculate each half separately from the centre line of the ridge.
Usually one side has the hips at 45 which makes the ends of the roof the same
pitch.
To calculate length of hip on the unequal side use: (see fig 5)
Hip length = shallow CR length2 + steep CR run2
= (sec 15 x 6.147)2 + 2.8532
= 6.3642 + 2.8532
= 6.974

Unequal ends
To find run of thrust rafter where end of roof
is at a different pitch, use:

30

run

shallow CR length
30

15

2.853

6.147
fig 5

Run of thrust R = rise tan roof pitch

For the roof shown (bottom of fig 5)
Run of thrust R
= rise (1.647) tan 40
= 1.647 0.839
= 1.963

40

Diminishing lengths of jack rafters

(a)

45 hip

(b)

Unequal hip

Diminishing =
or

Diminishing = spacing of rafters x secant pitch

jack rafter on shallow pitch side of roof

rafter spacing x secant shallow pitch

(where shallow pitch is known)

rafter spacing x length of shallow rafter run of shallow rafter

(use where pitch of shallow roof is not known)
jack rafter on steep pitch side of roof

Diminishing = rafter spacing x length of steep rafter run of shallow rafter

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.17

PROBLEMS
1

12.600

For the roof shown calculate:

(a)
(b)
(c)

30

Length of both common rafters

Length of both hip rafters
Length of ridge

2.377

30

30
5.123

15

For the roof shown calculate:

(a)
Length of both common rafters
(b)
Length of both hip rafters
(c)
Length of ridge
(d)
Pitch of roof on shallow side

13.750
45

2.820

45

45
?

4.680

11.560
3

For the roof shown calculate:

(a)
Run of both common rafters
(b)
Length of both common rafters
(c)
Length of both hip rafters
(d)
Length of ridge
(e)
Diminishing length of jack
rafters at 900 crs

35
9.100

35

35
16

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.18

CARPENTRY
PRACTICAL
UNEQUAL PITCH AND SPLAYED END ROOF
Following instructions from your Tutor and the drawing supplied, construct the framing
for:
(a)
Unequal pitch roof
and
(b)
Splayed end roof
Conditions for construction
1

You must construct one end of the roof shown. Another student will do the other
end.

All work is to be done using hand tools.

Dismantle carefully and denail any existing framing in place on the roof frames.

Use the existing or new 75 x 50 and 150 x 25 timber as directed by the Tutor.

Calculation of all rafter lengths

To obtain the rafter bevels use:

(a)
rafter tables
(b)
secants
(c)
Pythagoras
A separate sheet is available to assist with the calculation of all lengths.

(a)

(b)

for ordinary rafters:

rafter tables book

use tangent and secant

roof protractor

for splayed and unequal rafters:

development on cardboard

Place all the necessary lengths and bevels on a piece of wood for easy reference.

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Page.19

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.20

CALCULATION SHEET
Refer to the drawing hand out Unequal pitch lengths and bevels on page 20.
1

Length of building

(a)

(a)

Span of building (b)

Run of short CR (c) = span (b)

4
run

Run of long CR (d) = span (b) - run (c)

(d)

Length of ridge (g) = length of building (a) - (2 x run (c))

(g)

(b)
tan large pitch + 1
tan small pitch

(c) run

6
Length of CR (c)
lgth

= run x secant steep pitch

(c)

7
Length of CR (d)
lgth

= run x secant shallow pitch

(d)

8
Length of HR (e)
lgth

= length (c) 2 + run (c) 2

(e)

9
Length of HR (f)
lgth

= length (d) 2 + run (c) 2

(f)

10

Diminishing for JR (h) = (JR spacing for steep pitch) x length (c)
run (d)

11
sh

Diminishing for JR (i)

= (JR spacing for steep pitch) x length (d)

(h) sh

________ (i)

run (d)
12

OH run on small pitch = tan steep pitch tan shallow pitch x 200

13

Length of CR OH(c)

14

Length of CR OH (d)

15

Length of HR OH (e) = OH length (c) 2 + 2002

OH (e)

16

Length of HR OH (f) = OH length (d) 2 + 2002

OH (f)

= OH run (c) x secant large pitch

= OH run (d) x secant shallow pitch

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

OH (d)
OH(c)
OH (d)

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.21

CARPENTRY
PRACTICAL
CALCULATION SHEET
SPLAYED END ROOF
Roof frame

Set out and fix splayed end plate at 15 to the end of the existing frame.
37.5
roof pitch 30

(b)

(e)

15

Thr R
CR
(a)

(c)
52.5
set out from

corner
(d)

75
plate
off set
(tan 15 x span) =

Rise

= tan 30 x run

rise

Length of CR (a)
Length of CR OH (a)

= secant 30 x run
= secant 30 x 200

Set out for thrust rafter and common rafter from corner of frame (d)
Set out from corner
= run x tan (90 52.5)
______________ (d)

Length of ridge (e) = length of roof frame (short side) (2 x set out from corner)
+ 50mm =
(e)

Length of HR (b)

(a)
(OH)

= length CR2 + (set out from corner + off set) 2

(b)

Length of HR (c)

= length CR2 + set out from corner2 ______________ (c)

Length of HR (b) overhang

= HR (b) CR (a) x CR OH length

(OH)

8
Length of HR (c) overhang = HR (c) CR (a) x CR OH length
(OH)
Note: 1
All calculations are to the centre lines. Make deductions on site for
thickness of members.
2
Plumb and seat cuts of hips and edge cuts of hips and thrust rafter
Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

will have to be developed and deductions measured.

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Page.22

Revised 2006

Unit 13014 Theory; Complex Roof Framing

Page.23

CARPENTRY
UNEQUAL PITCH LENGTHS AND BEVELS

Unitec New Zealand Applied Technology Institute

Revised 2006