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clerestory

RPAdams | Posted in Construction Techniques on February 24, 2004 08:33am

Hello to all,

     I am going to build a shop this spring and the building will be a clerestory.  The building will be 40′ by 60′(the ridge will be 60′ long).   I am wondering what pitch roof is the most pleasing to the eye.  I would like to have a second story(loft style) on the higher side of the building.  Also, I am looking for any help/drawings in designing plans for this type of building.  Thanks for all leads and any and all replies to my question…..Randy  

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  1. UncleDunc | Feb 24, 2004 08:44am | #1

    >> I am wondering what pitch roof is the most pleasing to the eye.

    Most pleasing to whose eye? Frenchy likes 27/12. I like about 8/12 for a shop.

    1. RPAdams | Feb 24, 2004 08:48am | #2

      Would that be a 8/12 on both roofs?

      1. UncleDunc | Feb 24, 2004 10:41am | #3

        Sure. Why not? But my real point is, what does it matter what I like? You're the one who's going to have to look at it every time you walk out the back door.

  2. User avater
    SamT | Feb 24, 2004 11:22am | #4

    Randy, do you have an idea yet of the roof plan you want to use?

    View Image

    These are about to scale for a 10' to 12' tall first floor and a 16' to 18' tall roof. The 1A plan has some interesting possibilities.

    1 is realitively easy to design and build and gives a clerestory light on 2 sides.

    3 is the easiest to keep a second floor off to one side.

    1A is fun because you can have clerestory lights on any side. You can use one pitch for the main and one for the clerestories. You can keep the main and clerestory the same up to the clerestory opening, then brake the pitch of the main steeper.
    Difficult to design as it needs accurate and reliable plans and building it requires the same skill.

    The difficulty of 2 is between 3 and 1A, but 3 is really simple, so 2 isn't that hard. 2 is the easiest if you need roof below the clerestory lights. Oh, in case you're wondering, lights=windows. The main drawback is that the clerestory roof eats up floor space on the bottom floor (you need supports.)

    SamT

    Arguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it. Andy Engel

    1. RPAdams | Feb 25, 2004 07:47am | #7

      I am going to use plan B...but I want to get the maximum amount of natural light into the building.  I am restricted in positioning the building  due to the fact I am building it in a ravine beside the house....so the building does not overpower the house....sounds crazy....will explain later...thanks...Randy

  3. User avater
    jhausch | Feb 24, 2004 02:37pm | #5

    oh, oh gotta show off mine!!!

    4-12 on the north roof and clerestory overhang
    6-12 on the south roof
    clerestory overhang calculated to allow direct sunlight inside from Autumnal Equinox to Spring Equinox

    Steelkilt Lives!
    1. TrimButcher | Feb 24, 2004 05:45pm | #6

      Huh, that's funny. I've built the reverse: 6-12 on the high roof, 4-12 on the low.  No offense, but I prefer it my way. It allowed the clerestory to be in the middle of a 28' span, while still allowing for a loft and 8' foot outer walls.  But your way would allow for more loft room without raising the roofline too high.  Of course, with 40 feet of building depth, I don't think that's gonna be a problem for the original poster.

      Regards,

      Tim Ruttan 

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