The Rolling Roof
Basic Design and Construction
Rolling Roof Base Framework
This was probably the make or break part of the project.
The rolling mechanism chosen was to have 8 fixed rubber wheeled casters, 4 on each side. The casters run in a pair of aluminiun u-channels fixed to the top of the wall framework.
Rather than build the roof at ground level then have to heave a heavy structure up on top of the walls, I decided to build the roof in situ. Firstly I fixed the casters onto two lengths of timber, then temporarily fixed these onto the top of the wall using some spare pieces of wood. Then cross beams were attached to each end of the wheel bearing timbers, angled bracing fixed to each of the four corners, and finally two short, vertical pieces of wood held an apex beam in place - this formed the basic framework of the rolling roof.
The rolling mechanism chosen was to have 8 fixed rubber wheeled casters, 4 on each side. The casters run in a pair of aluminiun u-channels fixed to the top of the wall framework.
Rather than build the roof at ground level then have to heave a heavy structure up on top of the walls, I decided to build the roof in situ. Firstly I fixed the casters onto two lengths of timber, then temporarily fixed these onto the top of the wall using some spare pieces of wood. Then cross beams were attached to each end of the wheel bearing timbers, angled bracing fixed to each of the four corners, and finally two short, vertical pieces of wood held an apex beam in place - this formed the basic framework of the rolling roof.
Getting the Rolling Roof to Roll
Roof Rolling Over the Warm Rom
From the building of the basic framework, it wasn't too much trouble getting the structure successfully rolling over the warm room: some alignment of the u-channels was required and some nailing down of the rubber on the warm room roof to tidy it out of the way.
Securing the Roof During High Winds
Rolling Roof Captive Mechanism
After getting the roof to roll successfully, the next thing to do was to ensure that it would not become airborne during strong winds.
4 Turnbuckles were fitted to lock down the roof when closed.
Also a 'captive mechanism' was built into the structure to provide a second method of wind protection. This, along with the turnbuckles will hopefully keep the roof where it should be.
4 Turnbuckles were fitted to lock down the roof when closed.
Also a 'captive mechanism' was built into the structure to provide a second method of wind protection. This, along with the turnbuckles will hopefully keep the roof where it should be.
Completing the Rolling Roof Structure
Rolling Roof Structure Complete
A series of truss beams were fixed across the roof.
Cladding was added to each of the gable ends and along the edges to cover up the wheels and make the sides weatherproof.
Cladding was added to each of the gable ends and along the edges to cover up the wheels and make the sides weatherproof.
Roof Covering
Completion of the Rolling Roof
The rolling roof was covered in the same way as the warm room roof, i.e. a layer of 6mm plywood then a sheet of EDPM rubber glued onto the plywood.
The edges were trimmed and fixed down with lengths of wooden batten.
The edges were trimmed and fixed down with lengths of wooden batten.