Examining Roof Systems and Properties

INSTRUCTION TYPE: Exploration INSTRUCTION TITLE: Examining Roof Systems and Properties CATEGORY: Structural Elements OBJECTIVE: Learn how roofs are designed by exploring geometry, pitch, materials, and structural components

PREREQUISITES:

• Understanding of wall and floor systems

• Basic 3D navigation skills

EXPERTISE LEVEL: Intermediate

PARAMETERS:

• Roof Outline: Perimeter shape of the roof

• Roof Pitch: Angle of roof surfaces

• Roof Materials: Layered construction of roof assemblies

• Roof Components: Structural elements like rafters and purlins

STEPS:

1. Switch to the Roof Calculation module using Option 1-2-5

2. Right-click on a Roof Surface in the Building Navigation panel

3. View the properties and current settings of the roof

4. Modify the roof outline:

   • Select the building outline using Option 3-1

   • Edit individual sides by clicking on them

5. Change the roof pitch:

   • Select a roof side or surface

   • Use Option 3-05 (or right-click and select "Properties")

   • Adjust the pitch value in the dialog and observe how it changes the roof form

6. Add or modify dormers:

   • Use Option 4-1 to add a new dormer

   • Use Option 4-3 to modify an existing dormer

7. Examine roof materials:

   • Right-click on a roof surface and select "Properties"

   • In the dialog, select the "Properties" tab

   • Review the layers that make up the roof assembly

   • Choose a different roof buildup from the available options

   • Modify layer thicknesses as needed

8. Explore roof structural components:

   • Switch to the Roof Design module using Option 1-2-6

   • Add rafters using Option 2-1-1 for distributed rafters

   • Add ridge beams or purlins using Option 2-5-1

   • Add plates (top wall plates) using Option 2-3-1

   • Modify any of these components using the right-click menu or Options 3-xx

EXPECTED RESULTS: You should understand how roofs are constructed with both covering materials and structural support elements, and be able to make basic modifications to roof geometry, pitch, and components.

COMMON VARIATIONS:

• Different roof styles (hip, gable, shed) will have different options

• Structural component arrangements may vary based on roof type

TROUBLESHOOTING:

• If roof geometry appears incorrect: Check for wall height inconsistencies

• If structural elements don't appear correctly: Verify roof surfaces are properly defined

FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:

• Learn to create complex roof forms with multiple intersecting surfaces

• Explore automatic roof framing generation

• Understand how to create custom roof details

QUERY EXAMPLES: "How do I change the roof pitch?", "How can I add dormers to a roof?", "What structural components make up a roof system?"