Roof construction

#The present invention relates to roof constructions.

#Roofs for buildings are typically formed from a framework of supporting members extending between the sidewalls and providing an inclined surface to shed water. A typical roof construction has a ridge with rafters running perpendicular to the ridge to the top of the sidewalls. An impermeable covering is then attached to the rafters, either directly or on top of sheathing so that a stable water-tight structure is obtained.

#Ceilings are usually provided beneath the roof by horizontal joists running between vertical walls to which a horizontal ceiling material is secured. In many applications however, it is preferred that a cathedral ceiling is provided in which the ceiling material runs parallel to the ceiling joist. In some cases, it is desirable that the rafters are exposed for aesthetic reasons in which case the sheathing material may be secured to the topside of the rafters leaving the body of the rafter exposed from within the building.

#An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a building;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the roof structure shown in FIG. 1;

#Referring therefore to the drawings, a building generally indicated 10 has a main gallery 12 and side galleries 14, 16. Each of the galleries 12, 14, 16 is defined by sidewalls 18 supporting pitched roof structures 20, 22, 24 respectively. The wall structures 18 may be of any conventional form such as frame construction, masonry, or log construction depending upon the particular type of building. As may be seen in FIG. 3, a balcony 25 extends across the gallery 16 to provide a vantage point to view the interior of the main gallery 12.

#The roof structure 20 includes a primary ridge member 22 extending between endwalls 24 and supported in an elevated position by gable ends 30. Inclined rafters 26 extend from top plates 28 to the primary ridge 22 and are secured by suitable fastenings such as nails, spikes, or bolts. The rafters 26 may be supported on the upper surface of the ridge 22, as shown and may be cut to provide support for the rafters through conventional birdmouths or the like. The rafters 26 run at right angles to the axis of the ridge member 22.

#A king post 32 is located on the primary ridge member 22 and depends from the ridge member 22. The king post 32 is located on the center line of the intersection of the galleries 14, 16 and is used to support respective front and rear ridge members 34, 36 so that they are suspended from the ridge number 22. The front ridge member 34 is supported on the gable end 38 of the gallery 14 and rafters 38 on the sidewalls 18a.