Timber in domestic roof construction. Present situation in Spain

Abstract

Structural timber is playing an increasing role in the market and construction of domestic roofs, pushed by existing regulations, governmental policies and the development of new timber products and subproducts. This paper presents a range of timber construction systems used in roofs, analysing their structural performance and determining their positive and negative aspects. The paper focuses on two heavy timber frame systems: couple roof (“par e hilera”) and ridge-loaded roof (“par y picadero”) that are being widely used with respect to light frame systems. Eventually the thermal performance of the presented systems is evaluated in comparison with a traditional ventilated roof made of ceramic and bricks, according to the Spanish Building Construction Regulation (Código Técnico de la Edificación). This analysis shows that timber roofs present a similar thermal response that the traditional ceramic one, and allow a signifi cant reduction in construction time.