What Is a Sawtooth Roof? | How to Build a Sawtooth Roof? | Advantages & Disadvantages of Sawtooth Roofs

Introduction of Sawtooth Roof

The sawtooth roof was designed by William Fairburn, a British architect and engineer, in 1827. But sawtooth roofs did not gain popularity until the 20th century because they were primarily suited for industrial purposes. This type of roof is used to bring natural light into the manufacturing process in factories during the Industrial Revolution.

The design of saw tooth roofs for the use of natural light to increase the environmental efficiency of commercial buildings became popular in the 20th century.

Saw tooth roofs look beautiful when constructed in a series of three. Saw tooth roofs have become a popular choice for mills and factories and residential homes due to their environmentally friendly benefits.

What Is a Sawtooth Roof?

The design of a sawtooth roof consists of a series of stripes with a double pitch on both sides. Sawtooth roofs have multiple parallel roofs that look like saw teeth and have one slope higher than the other. This type of roof has high windows for maximum natural light.

Sawtooth roofs are commonly found in large industrial buildings and some roofs are similar to skilling roofs. The main purpose behind building this roof is to increase the amount of natural light in the factory.

Therefore the factory aims to prevent outside heat and provide a conducive environment for the workers. The popularity of this type of roof in modern times has gradually increased.

Now Sawtooth Roofing Style is made with various improvements and innovations to suit offices and homes. To improve the cooling efficiency in this type of roof, various inclusive high-tech radiation barriers are installed in the wooden roof.

The lifespan of sawtooth roofs depends on the material used. If you use high-quality durable materials like slate or fibre cement it increases the longevity of your roof. Sawtooth roofs can last up to 75 years depending on the quality of the high-quality durable material, climate and construction.

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Why Install a Sawtooth Roof?

The sawtooth roof design helps to provide good lighting in the interior. The design of this type of roof is intended to produce positive effects (such as light and warmth) in the building from ‘daylighting’ due to its design giving sunlight to the building, and reducing problems such as overheating in the industrial unit.

Sawtooth roof designs have become more popular in energy saving in recent years. In addition, careful planning in the sawtooth roof provides benefits like natural light and passive heat etc. in the industrial unit. The sawtooth roof was designed to facilitate the provision of adequate lighting in interior spaces.

The main purpose of this roof design is to use ‘natural daylighting’, which provides a good environment for employees in various processes in a building or industrial unit. And simultaneously reduces concerns such as heat.

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How to Build a Sawtooth Roof?

Sawtooth roofs are made from high-strength wood, metal and concrete materials. During the construction of this type of roof, you should take into account the symmetry and uniformity of the roof. Beam in sawtooth roofs has a longer span than any other traditional roof.

This type of roof has a dead load greater than the live weight. Therefore, you should focus on structural reinforcement during the construction of sawtooth roofs.

In the construction of this type of roof, builders usually use steel reinforcement as additional support. They install a series of metal trusses on the roof hinged parts for extra support

The construction of this type of roof includes a series of valleys and ridges. In addition, a durable wearing coat is used instead of metal or slate asphalt stairs. Which increases the structural dead load of the building

In this type of roof, the composition of each roof section is different. Each section of this roof typically requires a 15-degree inclination. Similarly, the transparent sections of the roof need a 60-degree inclination.

Another important consideration in sawtooth roofs is the roof gutter. When choosing a gutter design, make sure it is strong enough to hold the amount of water on the roof during heavy rains.

If you want to install box gutters in sawtooth roofs, it may require regular maintenance to prevent leaks. The accumulation of leaves in the box gutter causes obstruction inside the gutter.

In sawtooth roofs, you have to decide the minimum amount of space you need under them. Sloping ceilings and skylights are the best options for that. And if the interior space of the roof is open, you can install glass.

The main concern on sawtooth roofs is the possibility of snow accumulation. Because that can lead to potential leaks around your roof window. The solution to this type of problem is to pitch the roof to the window and install the heating coil at the lower point of the roof.

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Cost of Sawtooth Roof Construction

Installation of asphalt shingles in sawtooth roofs is the most cost-effective solution. However, it is not a more sustainable option. Asphalt shingles can also increase maintenance costs on peaks and valleys in sawtooth roofs.

Slate shingles, as a second option, are more durable and will last longer. But it will cost more. Metal shingles increase their use costs due to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

Maintain Sawtooth Roofs

Here are some simple ways to maintain Sawtooth Roofs:

1. Sawtooth Roof should be removed by dealing properly with wet. So that sealing the roof will not spoil it. In this type of roof, the old sealant needs to be completely removed and deal with the new sealant quickly.
2. The various parts of the roof should be inspected regularly, and preferably a wire brush rubbed against the metal surface to prevent corrosion.
3. Trees around your home should be trimmed periodically. And remove falling leaves from the roof. Moisture that holds the mould in the gutter and increases the chances of rot.

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Advantages of Sawtooth Roofs

1. Energy Saving

Properly designed and built, a sawtooth roof can help you save money on heating and cooling in your home. Because it keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer against different weather.

2. Natural Light

Sawtooth ceilings include glass panels. Which helps to provide maximum natural light in the interior. It also blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays. So the use of this roof is becoming very popular for factories.

Sawtooth roofs can be easily installed with solar panels. So that producing zero carbon footprint since working on solar energy.

3. Versatile Roofing

Sawtooth ceilings can be easily resized and sized into the desired design. Hence it is also known as the versatile roof. Many applications can be easily installed near the Sawtooth roof.

This type of roof is also referred to as a multi-purpose roof by some builders as it can be used for commercial roofs of houses and also for industrial roofs and garage roofs etc.

4. Solar panels

You can get natural energy benefits by simply installing solar panels on sawtooth roofs. Sawtooth roofing is an environmentally friendly solution that can help homeowners save money on electricity costs.

5. High Ceilings

Sawtooth roofs allow more efficient use of headroom and floor space. It is easy to install beams, columns and attractive elevations in the design of the roof.

Sawtooth roofs provide for maximum headroom compared to flat roofs. The limited height of the room can be obtained due to the length of the interior walls in the traditional ceiling.

Sawtooth can be easily installed at a height of up to 18 meters for a roof in general. But it can be customized in a single day at an altitude of more than 20 meters with additional cost to speed up the installation.

6. Unique Roof Design

Sawtooth roofs are beneficial in easily improving the appearance of any building structure. Glazing can be fitted with solar panels on sawtooth roofs. Which allows proper fitting of natural light. Which also enhances the look of the building.

Sawtooth Roofs are a great option for architects to transform into beautiful roof spaces that require minimum maintenance.

7. Install on High Rise Buildings

Sawtooth roofs are able to withstand higher weights and the loads accumulated on them than conventional roofs in high-rise buildings. But a traditional roof can carry a limited load so it is safer.

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Disadvantages of Sawtooth Roofs

1. Not Suitable for Heavy snowfall

The construction of sawtooth roofs involves many valleys, slopes and windows. Therefore, there is a risk of leakage during heavy rains or snowfall. Therefore, if its use is appropriate in an arid region.

2. Expensive to Construction

Due to its complex design, it requires a variety of materials through proper planning. Sawtooth roofs cost more to make than other traditional roofs. For this type of roof, you will also need a suitable designer architect, which increases the cost of sawtooth roofs.

3. Durability of Sawtooth Roof

Sawtooth roofs are compromised in different parts to reduce the weight of the roof. The effect of which naturally falls on the Sawtooth roofs. Therefore its risk damage and maintenance problems.

4. High Maintenance

This type of roof is prone to corrosion due to trapped water. This is because most of the metal sheets are used in different parts of this type of roof. This makes the actual design of the roof susceptible to leakage into the existing glass.

Consequently, it is advisable to use high-quality roofing materials that can withstand adverse weather conditions. It is important to take care of sawtooth roofs periodically to increase their lifespan and efficiency.

5. Reduced Views

The diagonal shape in sawtooth roofs can interfere with the view of nearby houses and buildings. However, since the materials used are transparent, there is more space and less obstruction for people living near sawtooth roofs.

Conclusion

Sawtooth roofs offer a beautiful look with a variety of glass panels. It blocks UV rays in large spaces and is able to invite natural light. This roof is especially suitable for use in factories.

If you decide to build this type of roof, you should consider the position of the windows to get the most natural light in your space.