A hipped roof slopes upward from the corners of a structure and has no vertical ends, typically found on semi-detached and detached houses. The hip is the external angle where opposing sloping sides meet at the ridge. A hip roof slopes on all sides, the side wall is square shape and finishes at eaves height. Hip roofs can be more difficult to construct than a gable roof because they require more complex angled saw cuts to the rafters.
A gable end wall is the triangular section of wall supporting the end of a sloping roof, typically found on semi-detached and detached houses. A roof with a gable wall construction will slope on two sides, the side wall is triangle shape and finishes at ridge height. Because gable end walls are at a higher level of the main walls, they are more susceptible to damage from high winds, if not properly constructed. A timber ladder attached to the roof is constructed directly above the gable wall. The gable wall is then constructed so that the timber ladder ties into the wall.
If you have an existing gable wall but it is not properly constructed with braced lateral supporting restraints, the following problems can arise:
When carrying out a hip roof to gable wall construction to a loft conversion, if the gable end wall rises above the roof line, the top of the wall should be finished in such a way that rainwater cannot penetrate the wall. A coping stone/slab or a specially designed brick detail will be sufficient to prevent this. This method of gable wall construction is not common. A closed verge system is typically used at the junction of the gable wall/roof.
A loft conversion with an existing gable wall will require less work than a hipped roof conversion. This will effect the overall cost of your loft conversion making a saving. Typically there are four main methods of construction to match the existing character of the property.
Constructing a hip to gable wall for a loft conversion in the Portsmouth area requires careful consideration of permitted development rights, building regulations, and planning permission from the local council. Here’s an overview of the process and the different materials that can be used:
Overall, constructing a hip to gable wall for a loft conversion in the Portsmouth area requires careful consideration of local regulations and expert knowledge of the building process. It’s important to work with a specialist who can guide you through the process and ensure a successful outcome.
Cavity wall construction with thermalite blocks to interior and face brick to exterior. Insulation in wall cavity. Matching the existing brick exactly or as close as possible.
Cavity wall construction with thermalite blocks to interior and semi-concrete blocks to exterior. Insulation in wall cavity. Render finish to exterior. Rendering can be applied with numerous finished coverings, i.e. Sand/ cement smooth finish and painted, K-Rend colour coating, pebble dash, Tyrolean render.
Timber frame construction with plain tile hang finish. Insulation inside timber stud-work. Felt, batten and tile exterior to match existing small plain tiles.
Give your loft conversion the wow factor by adding a glass gable end. Views can be amazing. These types of conversions are ideal for beach front or hillside locations.