Replies

1. FHB Editor
   JFink | Jan 10, 2007 12:35am | #1

   Does the roof (exterior) need to be curved? or just the finished interior surface?

   Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

   Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

1. 
   horse | Jan 10, 2007 12:48am | #2

   Both the interior and exterior need to be curved.

1. FHB Editor
   JFink | Jan 10, 2007 12:50am | #3

   hmm...I'd wait to hear from BossHog - he might be able to recommend a good truss solution for you if you give him the appropriate dimensions and such.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

   Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

2. 
   BossHog | Jan 10, 2007 02:51am | #8

   I've done trusses that were round on the outside before. And I've done trusses that were concave curved mansards. But I've never seen a job that was curved on BOTH the inside and outside. The fact that it's a hip would make it a lot more complicated.Still, I think it could be done if you have enough depth to work with. I think you'd need 3 or 4' of depth in the trusses. Where are you located? I might know someone in your area who could take a look at it.
   If you are reluctant to ask the way, you will be lost [Malayan Proverb]

2. 
   jrnbj | Jan 10, 2007 01:23am | #4

   I'd be thinking laminated beams.....are we talking a barrel or a cathedral with groins?

1. 
   horse | Jan 10, 2007 01:59am | #6

   Thanks for the responses, it is a curved roof, but not a cathedral with groins also know as double barrel vault or cross vault like used in churches. This is a residential project with curved roof all around.

1. 
   Bing187 | Jan 10, 2007 02:30am | #7

   See them in this area (MA RI border) once in a blue moon. If it's the same thing I'm thinking of, I've always heard them called "bow-roofs". Every one I've seen was trussed, I don't recall any that were a post-n-beam style, but I would guess they're out there as well. Boss would be the guy to talk to, but if it's not something he's seen on a regular basis, e-mail me and I'll ask the guy who framed the last one I saw going up.

   Bing

3. 
   Timuhler | Jan 10, 2007 01:46am | #5

   You can order glulams with custom curves.

4. 
   TheWgroup | Jan 10, 2007 05:31am | #9

   Perhaps someone with Cad access could custom make the framing members for you.  I have seen complex framing siutations made easy with Cad cut pieces.

5. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 10, 2007 05:32am | #10

   It would be easy to stick frame if you don't mind loosing some space with a deep roof.   Essentially frame a normal roof and add the material needed for the interior and exterior curves.  Many older homes have an upswept section in the lower 1/4.

   Now if you're talking about a really funky hip roof, it could be done pretty easily with custom bent/welded metal.  A job that definitely needs some engineering.

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

6. 
   dovetail97128 | Jan 11, 2007 08:07am | #11

   I agree with jrnbj , gluelams.
   I worked on one curved roof, not hipped, that we built the gluelams up for on the deck and then raised them. Engineers own house so he managed to somehow talk all the inspectors into going along with him on doing it.
   There was a recent thread on site built gluelams with curves here at BT. I can't remember where though.