FEATURES
On average, a standard double garage
roof, spans between 36 and 40m 2 .
Williams says that this space can fit a
self-contained unit that will have a
spacious bedroom and en-suite
bathroom. The cost of such a unit can be
valued at R250 000. This cost makes a
roof room an attractive offer compared to
a conventional upper room.
“Building a roof room is a quicker and
more cost-effective alternative to
increasing the size of your house without
having to undergo major building works,”
Gove says.
Private residences that boast attic
rooms include houses located in gated
estates such as Cotswold Downs, Zimbali
and Simbithi, situated in KwaZulu-Natal.
The interior of a room done by TJ Roof Rooms.
Putting it up
Gove explains the method of installation
in six steps:
1. Remove existing roof (tiles, battens,
trusses) – ceilings are normally
preserved, in these cases the existing
bottom chord of the truss is not
removed;
2. Install new floor beams / rafters –
subframe on which new shutter
boards as flooring will be installed;
3. Install new walls of room;
4. Install roof;
5. Install drywalling; and
6. Complete finishings.
It is important to note that prior to
installation, an accredited roof designer
or engineer be consulted as any structural
changes to a building must have a
rational design. Gove advises that any
alterations to an existing roof cannot be
done without approved engineering
plans and following regulatory sign offs.
“The structure is more engineer design
than architect design,” Williams explains.
He cautions that, “You cannot submit
building plans without an appointed
engineer.” This is because the engineer
will look at the loading and structure to
assess if it is according to the National
Building Regulations.
It is imperative that the architect and
engineer work closely throughout the
project. “You should not under estimate
the engineers’ design and if anything is
unclear, it is advisable to ask,”
advises Williams.
22
JUNE 2018
RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL
A roof room can carry a huge mass of weight.
An attic room is vastly different to a roof room as it offers more space.