At this station you can see two ways to achieve fall in a roofing element. While traditional on-site roofing is still common, it is also possible to build roof cassettes in a safe and clean off-site facility, significantly reducing the amount of work to be completed on site. Prefabricated roof cassettes can take many forms. The first example here is demonstrated at floor level, and shows a flat cassette which features battens, external insulation, deep profile roof cladding, and a fall restraint anchor. This system is simple to fabricate and transport, as it essentially sits flat on the factory floor (or the bed of a truck). Fall is them implied to the roofing element through the varying height of loadbearing elements, with the external elements fabricated to be shorter than the internal elements. Where the element is prefabricated complete with cladding, some cladding would typically be left off on either edge of the cassette so it may be “stitched” together and made watertight once installed.

The second example shown here can be seen above you at roof height, and shows a roof cassette with a fall built in through the use of a graded batten system. Similarly to the first example, this system features battens, and insulation blanket, and roof sheeting. While this system may be a little less efficient to fabricate and transport, it allows for higher roof gradients, and as such may be required in areas of increased rainfall or snow. This larger cassette option also demonstrates how the structure of the box gutter can be built into the prefabricated element, again minimising work on site.

While both systems are examples of advanced prefabrication, it is possible to reduce the amount of prefabrication undertaken in either. For example, you may elect to only life the cassette with battens, installing the roof sheeting as a separate work task.

This brings us to the end of this audio tour of the WoodSolutions Mid-rise Demonstration Model. Thank you for your attention, if you have any questions you may like to review the library of WoodSolutions technical design guides, utilise our “Ask an Expert” service, or contact the mid-rise team directly – all are freely available and can be accessed through the WoodSolutions website at www.woodsolutions.com.au.