Starting to finish the roof

Before I update on progress of the roof I just wanted to mention the excellent service I received from Dean Forge. I waited six months for the posts (see post on 26.11.12.) I ordered from the original company and then gave up. I went to Dean Forge and they quoted the same price and I had them within five days! 

The roof
After much deliberation I decided to purchase some 12 mm thick tongue and groove softwood to form the ceiling. I purchased this from Southern Timber. I was unsure what the quality would be like but after applying knotting solution and four coats of paint the result was fine. I chose a dark red for the ceiling which I thought would suit the oak and also give a cosy feel to the interior. I painted the timber in strips of five pieces (which were 4.4 metres long). This took quite a while as I needed a total of 10 panels but the weather was poor so it was not a problem.

I waited for a forecast of dry weather for about a week (and this happened at the beginning of June) with the hope that the roof would be waterproof in this time. 

Getting the painted timber to the shed was not easy and eventually I took it through the house as this was the most direct route -  manoeuvring 4.4 metre long timber was not easy but I am pleased to say there where no breakages.

Getting the panels on to the roof was fairly straightforward and I nailed down with 65mm long galvanised nails.

A panel lifted on to the roof - painted side up to avoid damage

View of ceiling partially completed

Once the ceiling was fixed the next task was to fit counter battens to provide some air space for the insulation. I used double foil airtec insulation  (from Screwfix) as this is thin and should be sufficient for what I need. I zig zagged the insulation under and over the counter battens to provide some airspace - a compromise to avoid the roof becoming too thick.

The insulation fixed on the roof

View showing airspace

When the insulation was fixed I fitted Permavent breather membrane and fixed with battens.

Fitting membrane and battens

Once the battens were fitted the next task was to fit the fascia along the front and rear sides. I had purchased 150 x 25 mm air dried oak from Anton Coaker but this was not deep enough so I (reluctantly) set about cutting a tongue and groove to join the timber using a hand Lie Nielson Tongue and Groove plane. This was hard work as I had 8 metres of timber to join. Fitting on my own was not easy but clamping timber at the height required using  sash clamps did the job. I screwed the fascia to the rafters and will peg the holes over the screws.

End view showing the tongue and groove joint and support 

The front fascia fitted

Once both fascias were fitted work could begin to slate the roof. I plan to fit a wood burning stove so I contacted Dean Forge who advised me on the installation and arranged for a lead flashing to be made to go on the ridge of the roof and this was made in two days, meaning that slates could be cut as required without holding up work on the roof.

View from the west end with the slating partially completed. The stove will be fitted at this end and a temporary cover over the hole for the flue pipe can be seen