Hammer Beam Roof Construction

Diagram of a hammerbeam roof hammerbeam roof systems developed in english architecture in the medieval period.

Hammer beam roof construction.

Not a true truss the construction is similar to corbeled masonry see corbel in that each set of beams steps upward and inward by resting on the ones below by means of curved braces and struts. The hammer beam is the short beam at the base that attaches to the wall. Our goal at hammer beam construction is to provide you our customer with exceptional custom built projects by committing ourselves to honesty integrity and reliability. Hammer beam rooves did not appear in general use until the 15th century.

However earlier works appeared as 1290 1310 a d. Furthermore we strive to be distinguished by our reputation of high quality work performance and our excellent relationships with our clients. Range of dates given for construction with the. There are many ways to embellish this design from through tenons and radius cuts to decorative pendants or finials.

A hammerbeam is a form of timber roof truss allowing a hammerbeam roof to span greater than the length of any individual piece of timber in place of a normal tie beam spanning the entire width of the roof short beams the hammer beams are supported by curved braces from the wall and hammer posts or arch braces are built on top to support the rafters and typically a collar beam. This truss is favored in heavy timber construction in situations where wide clear spans are required and where a different structural member would obstruct the view of gable end windows. Hammer beam roof english medieval timber roof system used when a long span was needed. Thanks to modern construction techniques one could probably build a roof in such a manner that the components of a hammer beam type roof would not be structural.

The hammer beam bent is often associated with religious structures great halls or great rooms. A hammer beam timber frame bent pictured above is a beautiful and more complicated design and creates dramatic vaulted spaces. I am wondering if one structural job of the hammer beam assumed as the elements below the collar tie hammer beam vertical post on top and bracing members. Is to work as a stiff beam which simply reduces the lateral deflection thrust in the top chord rafter and subsequently reduces the thrust and moment in the top of the wall.

These horizontal beams simultaneously carry the weight of interior flooring and serve as room ceiling supports.