Matthew Lau, Justin Sinanan, Xiao Xiao Wen
Carlisle Architecture A day 5th Period
Project 2.1.2 Roof Systems
Introduction
Many roof styles are available to designers. Consequently many factors and
constraints can drive a designer’s choice for roof style. Certain roof styles are
appropriate for different climates or snow loads. Other roofs do well in areas that get
a lot of rain. Of course some roof choices are driven by aesthetics and others by
economy. First and foremost, a roof must be durable and effective at keeping out the
weather. The designer then decides what features will work best in the environment,
please the customer, and fit budget constraints.
While all roofs provide protection from the elements, some simply get the job done,
while others are true works of art.
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Civil Engineering and Architecture Project 2.1.2 Roof Systems – Page 1
Matthew Lau, Justin Sinanan, Xiao Xiao Wen
Carlisle Architecture A day 5th Period
Equipment
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Internet and/or reference texts
Cube-shaped facial tissue box
Poster board (for sheathing)
heavy paper or sand paper (for shingles)
Craft sticks, balsa strips, or strips of cardboard (for framing members)
craft knife or box cutter
glue
Procedure
In teams of two or three, you will create a framing model of a specific roof type and
create a fact sheet to display with it.
1. Determine the type of roof that you will research and model.
2. Research the roof type that you were assigned and create a fact sheet using the
following parameters. The fact sheet should achieve the following:
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Fit on one letter size sheet
Include an least one image of a building with that roof type
Describe advantages and disadvantages of the roof type
Identify the geographic area where the style is often used
3. Create a framing model of the roof for a small playhouse which is represented by
the facial tissue box. Your model should include representations of the roof
framing members, plywood sheathing, and shingles or a membrane roofing. If
you are modeling a dormer, first create a sloped surface out of cardboard to
represent the main roof and attach the framed dormer to the sloped surface.
4. Display your model and fact sheet. View models created by other class
members. In your engineering notebook or journal, sketch each one and record
the important points from the fact sheets.
Conclusion
1. What is the most common roof type where you live? Do different areas or
neighborhoods have different styles? List two of the styles and describe
why you think they are predominant.
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Civil Engineering and Architecture Project 2.1.2 Roof Systems – Page 2
Matthew Lau, Justin Sinanan, Xiao Xiao Wen
Carlisle Architecture A day 5th Period
Around my neighborhood, the most common roof type style is the gable roof.
Different areas or neighborhood might have different roof styles because of climates,
space or personal preferences. If an area receives heavy snowfalls or rainstorms, it
might have steeply pitched roofs rather than flat. The gable and hip are probably the
predominant roofs, because there’s so many variations to these two that each house
owner can adjust the style to his/her own personal preference. Also, both roofs are
simple and easy to construct.
2. If you were designing a house for yourself, which roof style would you
choose and why?
If I were to design a house for myself, I would choose combination roof.
Combination roofs adds variety to the house aesthetic. Also, it can be adjusted to the
house structure, like a house may have a hip roof overall and a skillion over the porch.
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Civil Engineering and Architecture Project 2.1.2 Roof Systems – Page 3