A Masterclass in Traditional Hand-Cut Roofing & Structural Steel.
The Scope: Sometimes the raw “bones” of a project are the most impressive part. For this structural extension, the architecture demanded a complex, multi-pitched roof system. Rather than relying on standard pre-fabricated trusses, our team engineered and constructed a traditional hand-cut roof on-site, supported by massive steel framework.
Phase 1: Structural Steel & Tie-In
Before any timber could be cut, we had to prepare the foundation for the new roof. We exposed the original roofline and installed heavy-duty steel beams (RSJs). This created a highly robust platform capable of carrying the immense weight of the new roof while maintaining a completely open-plan footprint in the rooms below.
Phase 2: Pitching the Main Frame
With the wall plates firmly secured to the steel and masonry, our joiners began pitching the main roof. This involved calculating and executing precise compound angles to form the ridges, hips, and valleys, seamlessly blending the geometry of the new extension into the existing property’s roofline.
Phase 3: Precision Joinery
A traditional “cut roof” requires immense skill. Every single rafter, hip, and jack is measured, cut, and seated by hand on site. This time-honored method allows for maximum flexibility with complex architectural shapes that standard factory-made trusses simply cannot achieve.
Phase 4: From Skeleton to Slates
The completed timber framework is a piece of structural art. Perfectly pitched and incredibly rigid, this intricate skeleton creates the ideal foundation. Once the carpentry is complete, the roof is wrapped in a breathable membrane, battened, and finally finished with high-quality slates and precise leadwork.
Why choose AB Joinery?
We don’t just assemble flat-packs; we are master craftsmen. Whether it’s heavy steel installations or complex hand-cut timber roofing, our in-house team has the specialist skills to build the structural integrity of your home exactly to specification.