Roof security solution for outbuilding, does this work?

[nuzuki]

I am looking to build a garage and want it to be secure however in the past using metal corragated roofs tend to attract moisture/condensation but are better for security. To get round this problem I was going to use the ombduline board (black waxy tarry type roofing sheets) with some reinforcing mesh (the type you use for strengthening concrete slabs) sandwiched between the roofing sheets and the roofing joists. Can anyone foresee a problem with this?

Cheers

 

[^woody^]

Yes. You'll still get condensation, plus rusty steel mesh

 

[John D v2.0]

agreed, if you want to get rid of condensation you'll need some insulation and keep it warmer than outisde (or use a dehumidifier)

 

[Ian H]

Are you securing it from people or birds or weather?

 

[nuzuki]

From people and animals that look like people

Im guessing the condensation would be lessened if I dont go for a metal roof? I understand you cant get rid of it completely but it will be less surely?

If i dont go for the mesh or metal roof then I could always put the roof joists very close together so even if someone got through the roof they wouldnt be able to get in or pass much out throguh the gap of any value.

We havent had any security issues but I like to over engineer these things if possible. The mesh is 12quid something a sheet (4.8m x 2.4m) from jewsons wehereas the wood is alot more obviously.

 

[nuzuki]

I could just do a few runs of barbed wire across the joists before putting the roofing sheets down.

 

[Ian H]

I should have boarded mine under the tiles.

We got burgled through the roof

 

[nuzuki]

yep its the old favourite weak spot unfortunately. Hope they didnt get much. Often they cause more expense getting in. My friend had a motorcross bike lifted out through his workshop roof.

Are they plastic tiles? They look great. OSB board, sark it material then battens before tiles is how I did my summerhouse but nothing in there is worth taking. I also used plastic fake slate tiles, made by tapco I think.

My workshop roof has asbestos roofing sheets so I was thinking about putting a load of caution asbestos signs up but doubt that will stop them. I doubt thieves are very health concious.

 

[Ian H]

No, just plain concrete tiles. I just laid then well

 

[nuzuki]

They look good Ian, well done. I chose plastic due to them being lighter which suited my build. I havent had much experience of roofing tiles but have always wondered how they lay slate tiles without shattering a fair few tiles.

I think for the security solution I am going to go with a tonne of noggins to block the big gaps then run barbed wire above the roof joists. Also security fixings for fastening the sheets down.

I have loads of leftover wood offcuts and barbed wire as we are on a small holding so it wont cost me anything extra just time.

 

[cjard]

If they've cut a hole in your tin roof, would they not already be equipped to snip the barbed wire out?

Slates break, sure, but generally then you place weight on them it transfers to a batten. Does suck to be coming back down from the ridge and you hear one break under foot..

 

[John D v2.0]

If they've cut a hole in your tin roof, would they not already be equipped to snip the barbed wire out?

Slates break, sure, but generally then you place weight on them it transfers to a batten. Does suck to be coming back down from the ridge and you hear one break under foot..

Run all your mains cables through the roof before the RCD

 

[nuzuki]

Haha I did think about adding electrical current to the barbed wire but that might be going a little too far. Im not trying to build fort knox but just want to deter the oppurtunitists. If they come equiped then I would probably know its an inside job and someone I know has seen whats inside. Even if they did snip the barbed wire it tends to spring back. All i'd need is the thief to leave a small piece of material on one of the barbs and i'd have some dna evidence. We all know if someone wants in they'll get in. We always secure all the doors and windows but forget about the roof in most cases so I was just searching for a few ideas. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Ian H]

This is the guy who broke into mine, I think he was looking for my sons motorbikes but we keep them at my sisters farm.

They still stole s fair bit though so must have come in a van.

 

[OwainDIYer]

Condensation shouldn't be a problem if you've adequate ventilation or you could use Grafo-Therm which is used to line shipping containers (but it's not nice stuff to apply yourself).

Sarking boards are a good idea.

If you can get power and data (or use wireless) then a decent intruder alarm with sensors on the doors and a PIR pointing into the roofspace should be effective.