Architecture/Roofs

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Expert: - 8/19/2007


Question
I live in Thailand where the rain seems to come down at many angles.
I am bulding a detached small building and I don't seem to be able to get any reliable information as to what the best pitch should be for the roof to ensure there are no leaks. I will be using corrugated sheets (not metal) to roof.
Would be grateful for your general observations.
Regards

Answer
Mike - thanks for your question.

I would expect "local knowledge" to be your most reliable guide; what pitch are most of the roofs in Thailand built at?  The more rain you have, the greater the roof pitch should be - but any steeper than 12:12 is probably overkill.

With rain coming at you from "many angles" you need to have very deep overhangs, maybe three or four feet - the only limit may what you are comfortable building!

The combination of a steep roof and a deep overhang will go a long way towards keeping the rain out.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

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Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

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I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

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Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

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Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
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Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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