Cash in the attic
Jonathan Fellingham, managing director of Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), looks at how engineered timber solutions can meet the growing demand for creating ‘room-in-the-roof’
ing their own home is how they can add more room into the roof – whether for extra storage, more living space, or just to keep their options open for future expansion. The answer to this question is incredibly simple; by utilising attic roof trusses. Timber roof trusses are by far the most com-
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mon method of constructing a pitched roof – and the industry has seen a significant rise in
s the price of land remains expensive, one of the most frequent enquiries received from people building or extend-
interest in attic roof trusses in particular over the last 12 months. In fact, around 40 per cent of all trussed rafters now produced are attic trusses, as they are the most economical solution to adding rooms to a home. They increase the habitable area by as much as 40 per cent at lit- tle extra cost to the overall roof. Attic trusses span over 8m without internal
load bearing walls, supporting approximately 60 per cent more load than a standard truss of the same size and pitch. As there is no triangu- lation in attic style trusses, the top and bottom
Around 40 per cent of all trussed rafters now produced are attic trusses, as they are the most economical solution to adding rooms to a home
selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
chords are increased in size, allowing them to handle the increased load required for usable floor space. The flexibility of these components is undoubt-
edly what sets them apart from other methods of construction in this area. Thanks to modern design software, a trussed rafter can be designed for virtually any roof shape. Unlike modern panel systems which are more suited for narrower, gable fronted construction, attic trusses can accommodate larger, complex roof plans. Taking the proposed building’s data and statistics, the roof is designed by computer to exact specification, creating bespoke trusses for a wide variety of shapes and sizes. This has provided fresh opportunities for those self- builders who previously thought adding extra roof space may be beyond reach. For most projects, attic trusses can provide
clear span between the front and rear walls, which avoids the need for load bearing walls
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