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Written by a traditional roofer during the Second World War, this reprint of the 1945 edition presents useful step by step guidance on the right techniques for laying and repairing roofs. It highlights the options for repairing damage rather than stripping and relaying the roof.

The first four chapters describe the timber construction of roofs covering everything from basic joints through to the differences in the design of traditional and trussed roofs. It also provides extensive practical information of the design of pitched and flat roofs, jointing around roof lanterns, fixing lay boards up the pitch of the roofs and the setting out of steps in horizontal gutters. The following chapters describe slates and slating, tiling, wood  and asphalt shingles, diamond slating and fibre cement slating.

From the new introduction:

Although the text contains simple explanations, and ‘step by step’ guidance, it is clear that Mr Molloy is a craftsman with considerable knowledge and a real passion for his subject. His real skill is in communicating the complexities of good roofing in ways that are easy to understand. This is the reason his writing is so useful for today’s reader.

 

Anyone stimulated to absorb the level and depth of knowledge of a traditional roofer, who learned his trade before the last world war, will benefit from reading this book. About three quarters of the content relates to traditional roofing materials and techniques, and will be of direct interest and use to those involved with repairing old buildings. The remaining quarter describes materials and techniques that were prevalent at the time. Although these sections may not seem so immediately relevant, the fact that asbestos was used in some roofing felts during this period, as well as in cement tiles, is worth highlighting.

This is a hardback, high quality reproduction of the original book with a new Introduction written specifically for this publication.