Roof Types

The type of construction used in your loft will play a part in determining what type of conversion can be undertaken.

Top Storey have experience converting all kinds of lofts – so whatever you have over your head, contact us to see how we can help you make the most of it!

Truss Rafter Roof Construction

It is a common miss-conception that truss rafter roofs are not suitable for Loft Conversions. In fact, there is no reason whatsoever why houses with this roof type cannot be converted. Generally speaking, properties built since the mid 1960s will have truss rafters, though some modern houses may have steel trusses.

Take a peek in your loft and if you see that the roof timbers form into a ‘W’ shape, then your property has a truss rafter roof. Other things to look for are a very shallow pitch to the sides of the roof and metal plates connecting the timbers. The illustration below should give you a better idea of what to look for.
 
The design of the truss frames means that modification is required when undertaking a Loft Conversion. It is essential to have your plans approved and calculated by a professional structural engineer and to also have a specialist Loft Conversion Company to carry out the Loft Conversion to ensure that the modifications are to be carried out correctly and safely.

To a degree, converting a truss type roof is technically more demanding than converting an older type property, however Top-Storey are fully experienced in this kind of construction. In fact, a Loft Conversion in a Truss Rafter Roof Construction (Truss Loft Conversion) is just as common as a Loft Conversion in a Rafter and Purlin Roof Construction.

If you have a home with a truss roof design, this will in no way stop you from planning a successful Loft Conversion.

Rafter and Purlin Roof Construction

Rafter and purlin style roofs are usually found in properties built before the mid-1960s and they are ideal for Loft Conversions.

This type of roof, more often than not, has a steep pitch and lots of clear space between the timber framework. As a very general rule of thumb the older the house, the more roof space you are likely to have as in the past the tendency was to build houses with a much steeper pitched roofs than what is normal today.

The diagram below shows an internal view of a typical Rafter and Purlin Roof Construction.

A conversion to a Rafter and Purlin Roof Construction (Traditional Loft Conversion) is usually quite simple to convert. The actual construction of the Loft Conversion will be relatively straight forward as the room in the roof space and the way in which the Rafters and Purlins are constructed can allow for an easier construction and more flexible design process.

If your home does have this style of roof construction then you can plan your Loft Conversion knowing that there are many options available. Top-Storey can advise you on the options that this kind of roof construction can offer you.

Click here to see our gallery of loft conversions.

To find out how we can breathe new life into your home, contact us today!