This standard outlines detailed procedures for the design, selection, installation, and upkeep of wooden shingle roofs. It specifies criteria for timber quality, shingle sizes, fastening techniques, and weatherproofing methods to ensure robust and efficient pitched roofing, particularly applicable in Himalayan and timber-rich regions of India. It serves as an indispensable reference for architects, engineers, and builders engaged in sustainable and traditional wooden shingle roofing.
Overview
This standard outlines detailed procedures for the design, selection, installation, and upkeep of wooden shingle roofs. It specifies criteria for timber quality, shingle sizes, fastening techniques, and weatherproofing methods to ensure robust and efficient pitched roofing, particularly applicable in Himalayan and timber-rich regions of India. It serves as an indispensable reference for architects, engineers, and builders engaged in sustainable and traditional wooden shingle roofing.
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Frequently Asked
The code advises using durable heartwood species known for their resistance to decay and minimal shrinkage, ensuring dimensional stability. Recommended species include Fir (Abies pindrow), Mundani (Acrocarpus fraxinifolius), Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Semul (Bombax ceiba), Indian chestnut (Castanopsis sp.), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Cypress (Cupressus torulosa), Thingan (Hopea odorata), Pyinma (Lagerstroemia hypoleuca), Pali (Palaquim elliptica), Chir (Pinus roxburghii), Kail (Pinus wallichiana), Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergiodes), Oak (Quercus lamellosa), Yew (Taxus baccata), Teak (Tectona grandis), and Irul (Xylia dolabriformis). Only Grade 2 timber as per IS 1331-1971 and heartwood with edge grain should be used. Shingles may be produced by sawing or splitting the timber, and nails for fixing should comply with IS 723-1972.
Wooden shingles should have lengths ranging from 300 to 400 mm and widths between 120 and 150 mm. The minimum thickness typically varies, often around 10 to 15 mm at the thicker end, depending on the shingle design. Overlapping should be at least one-third of the shingle length, ensuring coverage of no less than three courses. Supporting battens include subsidiary battens sized 40 by 25 mm and main battens sized 50 by 40 mm. The combined weight of shingles and battens generally ranges from 22 to 50 kg per square meter, influenced by the timber species used.
Shingles must be installed over subsidiary battens (40×25 mm) fixed atop main battens (50×40 mm), which rest on rafters or purlins. In areas prone to low roof slopes or strong winds, an additional underlay of roofing sheets or timber boards is recommended. Each shingle should overlap by at least two-thirds of its length, exposing only one-third to the elements, with a minimum of three course overlaps. Fixing requires two wire nails per shingle, typically 40 mm in length and of appropriate diameter (2.00 or 2.24 mm), galvanized or rust-resistant. Subsidiary battens are secured with nails roughly 60 mm long and 2.80 to 3.15 mm in diameter. This fixing method ensures proper drainage, wind resistance, and longevity of the wooden shingle roof.
The standard mandates that wooden shingles undergo pressure impregnation with fire retardant chemicals such as ammonium mono-phosphate, ammonium di-phosphate, sodium arsenate, or sodium tetraborate. Additionally, shingles must be periodically painted—usually every three years—with preservatives conforming to IS 401:1982, which is the Code of Practice for Timber Preservation. Prompt replacement of any decayed shingles or battens is also required. Only durable heartwood species of Grade 2 quality as per IS 1331:1971 should be used to maximize resistance against fire and decay.
The code specifies a minimum roof pitch of 35 degrees for wooden shingle installation to ensure effective weather protection under normal climatic conditions. In regions with higher elevations or heavy rainfall, the pitch should be increased appropriately to prevent water penetration. Shingles must be supported on battens over purlins or roofing boards, with a minimum overlap of one-third of their length and coverage of at least three courses to maintain durability and water resistance.
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