A gable roof system

Abstract

A gable roof system of the type with two sloped parts whose upper portions meet to form its ridge so as to leave the space for a corresponding gable wall at both ends. One of the two sloped parts comp

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a gable roof system and also to a panel for a gable roof system. The invention is expected to find its greatest utility in relation to roofs for domestic dwellings, and the following description and attached figures therefore relates to such use. It may, however, be that the invention also has utility in relation to commercial or industrial buildings and such applications are not excluded. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART In the roof construction field, in particular for domestic dwelling, the gable ended roof for a building are known and used. In particular, according to the prior art as shown in Fig. 1, the gable ended roof are pitched roofs with two parts P that slope downward and whose upper edges meet to form its ridge so as to leave a gable G at both ends. More in detail, the building usually has four walls W, wherein an opposed two of the walls include a respective gable G, while the two sloped parts P span the distance between the opposite gables. In order to reduce the cost of pitched roof building, in particular in terms of materials and labour costs, the use of "modular" pre-fabricated roof panels is known and used. Moreover, a major benefit of using roofing panels is that they may be prefabricated to include insulating material, which is a necessary requirement if the loft space under the roof is to be used for living accommodation. As shown in Fig. 1, each sloped part P of the roof usually has a ridge panel R at the apex / top of the roof, an eave panel E at the bottom of the roof in correspondence of each eave and one (or even more than one) intermediate panel I that is positioned mid-way between the ridge panel and the eave panel. Each panel R, E and I can span the roof from one gable to the other gable. As better shown in Fig. 2, the roof panel RP according to the prior art comprises an inner board IB, that is an oriented strand board (OSB) or other board made of rigid material, 05 09 24 and an outer sheet OS made of a breather membrane of waterproof material, which are interconnected by four longitudinal joists J defined by large timber beams running from side to side in the panel. Insulating material M fills the volume between the inner board IB and the outer sheet OS which is not occupied by the joists J. A vapour control layer VOL may be 5 positioned between the joists and the inner board IB. When assembled into a roof, a series of panels RP will be used to cover the roof, and then a set of counter battens C (running from top to bottom of the side of the roof) are mounted over the joists J. The roofing lathes L are mounted perpendicular to the counter battens C and over a tiling felt F positioned between the roofing lathes L and the counter battens C. The tiles 10 T are then connected over the roofing lathes L. Actually, at the beginning, the known roof panels RP were made with a very rigid board, such as oriented strand board (OSB), on both sides of the panels, but as the time progressed it was clear that the rigid board was only required on one side, namely the underside, to ensure that the roof panel was structurally sound to carry the load and so the rigid board was removed 15 from the outside surface facing the tiles, thus obtaining the known panel shown in Fig. 2 in order to reduce the production cost and the amount of material and weight of the panel whilst not compromising the structural integrity of the roof panel. The reason why the roof panel had originally the rigid external board was because the roof takes a lot of load from the tiles and snow and because the joists are at an inclined angle when they are on the roof. 20           As shown in Fig. 2, in the known panel according to the prior art the inner board IB made of rigid material extends in a continuous way over the entire surface of the panel namely both along the longitudinal direction of the joists J and along a direction perpendicular to said joists. In particular, in the known solutions the entire roof is made entirely and only with panels of the same type, as shown in Fig. 2, having the inner board IB made of rigid material extending 25 in a continuous way over the entire surface of the panel. More in detail, the ridge panel, the eave panel and any intermediate panel are all of the same type with the inner board IB made of rigid material extending in a continuous way over the entire surface of the panel. 05 09 24 Even if appreciated, the gable roof system made with the known panels according to Fig. 2 does not result fully optimized in terms of required materials for its production and this is now a challenging aspect considering the rising of material cost, the shortage of material availability, the need of waste reducing and energy consumption, in particular for 5 environmental sustainability. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to prevent or mitigate the problems of known solutions, thus providing a gable roof system that reduces the quantity of material required for 10 its production, while maintaining a suitable and required structural rigidity. It is an object of the present invention to prevent or mitigate the problems of known solutions, thus providing a panel for a gable roof system that reduces the quantity of material required for its production, while maintaining a suitable and required structural rigidity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gable roof system and / or a gable 15 roof panel of high structural rigidity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gable roof system and / or a gable roof panel of reduced cost construction. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gable roof system and / or a gable roof panel of easier and quicker installation. 20          Another object of the present invention is to provide a gable roof system and / or a gable roof panel of reduced weight. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gable roof system and / or a gable roof panel that is / are highly ecofriendly. Another object of the invention is to provide a gable roof system that is of modular 25 design and that is of easy, quick and low-cost manufacturing and assembly on site. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gable roof system and / or a gable roof panel that has / have an alternative and improved characterisation and design, in both constructional and functional terms, compared with the known ones. 05 09 24 Another object of the invention is to provide a building, in particular a wooden building, that is of modular design and that is of easy, quick and low-cost manufacturing and assembly on site. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 Accordingly, all these objects, taken individually and in any combination thereof, are achieved according to the invention by a gable roof system of the type with two sloped parts whose upper portions meet to form its ridge so as to leave the space for a corresponding gable wall at both ends, wherein one of the two sloped parts comprises at least two roof panels 10 placed one above the other, each of said at least two panels extending from one gable to the other gable and being provided with at least two parallel joists running perpendicularly from one gable to the other gable, and wherein one of said two panels is a first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and being coupled with at least two joists of the corresponding panel while the other of said two panels is a second panel not provided with diaphragm means. 15           Ideally, the diaphragm means of the first panel is mechanically coupled with at least two joists of the corresponding first panel. Preferably, each sloped part of the gable roof system comprises a ridge panel at the apex / top of the roof and an eave panel at the bottom of the roof in correspondence of each eave. Preferably, each part further comprises at least one intermediate panel positioned 20 between the ridge panel and the eave panel of the corresponding part. Preferably, the intermediate panel comprises a dormer or a skylight. Preferably, the intermediate panel is configured to receive a dormer or a skylight. Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is the ridge panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm 25 means is the intermediate panel. Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is the ridge panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is the eave panel. 05 09 24 Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is the intermediate panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is the eave panel. Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with 5 at least two joists is a first intermediate panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is a further intermediate panel. Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is the eave panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is the intermediate panel or the ridge panel. 10          Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means and the second panel not provided with diaphragm means are connected to each other by connecting elements, ideally by straps or counter battens. Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is positioned above the second panel not provided with diaphragm means. 15          Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is positioned above the second panel not provided with diaphragm means, and said second panel is supported / suspended / hung from the first panel by straps or counter battens. Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with 20 at least two joists is positioned below the second panel not provided with diaphragm means. Preferably, the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is positioned below the second panel not provided with diaphragm means, said second panel being supported on top of said first panel. Preferably, the diaphragm means span more than two joists of the panel. 25           Preferably, the first panel and / or second panel is provided with a top joist at the upper side of the panel and with a bottom joist at the lower side of the panel. Preferably, the diaphragm means extend from the top joist to the bottom joist of the first panel. 05 09 24 Preferably, the diaphragm means comprises a board made of rigid material. Ideally, the diaphragm means comprises an oriented strand board (OSB). Preferably, the diaphragm means comprises an oriented strand board (OSB) having a thickness less than 1 cm, ideally of about 9 mm. 5          Conveniently, the diaphragm means comprises elements made of metal. Ideally the diaphragm means comprises metal plates. Preferably, the diaphragm means comprises any means that is configured so that the at least two joists coupled with the diaphragm means define a structural support beam assembly. 10          Preferably, the diaphragm means extends along the entire length of the first panel corresponding to the longitudinal development of the joists. Ideally, the diaphragm means extends along the entire length of the first panel and corresponding substantially to the distance between the gables of the building. Ideally, the diaphragm means has an extension of 5.5 - 6 metres. 15          Preferably, the diaphragm means has an extension along the longitudinal development of the joists that is lower than the length of thejoists of the first panel. Preferably, the diaphragm means has an extension lower than the distance from gable to gable. Ideally, the diaphragm means has an extension lower than 5.5 - 6 metres. Preferably, the diaphragm means of the first panel comprises a continuous panel. 20          Preferably, the diaphragm means of the first panel comprises a panel with at least one gap (i.e. a portion that is void). Preferably, the diaphragm means of the first panel comprises at least two diaphragm elements that are separated by a gap. Preferably, the diaphragm means of the first panel are intermittent, i.e. there are at 25 least two diaphragm elements that are separated by at least one gap. Preferably, the gap between the diaphragm elements has a linear / straight development. Preferably, the gap between the diaphragm elements has a shaped development that is at least partly curved or angles. 05 09 24 Preferably, said at least two diaphragm elements are mechanically coupled to more than two joists of the first panel. Preferably, said at least two diaphragm elements are mechanically coupled to different joists of the first panel. Preferably, said at least two diaphragm elements are mechanically coupled to at least a common joist of the first panel. Preferably, the first panel comprises at least three joists and the diaphragm means of the first panel comprises at least a first diaphragm element mechanically coupled with two joists and a second diaphragm element mechanically coupled with two joists, and wherein one joist is common between the two diaphragm elements. Preferably, the number of joists is the same in the first panel and in the second panel. Preferably, the number of joists of the first panel is different form the one of the second panel. Preferably, the upper / ridge panel of one sloped part of the gable roof system is mechanically coupled to the upper / ridge panel of the other pitched part of the gable roof system. Preferably, the upper / ridge panel of one sloped part of the gable roof system is mechanically coupled to the upper / ridge panel of the other sloped part of the gable roof system by means of at least one ridge connecting element having a portion attached to one sloped part of the gable roof system and a further portion attached to the other sloped part of the gable roof system. Ideally, said ridge connecting element comprises a strap or bracket to be lapped over the upper / ridge panels of the two sloped parts. Ideally said ridge connecting element is mechanically coupled to the diaphragm means of each corresponding upper / ridge panel of the two sloped parts. Preferably said ridge connecting element is mechanically coupled to the counter battens extending from the upper / ridge panel to the lower panel. Preferably, the diaphragm means of the panel are defined on the inner face of the first panel, i.e. on the face of the first panel that - when the first panel is mounted and in use -faces toward the interior of the roof. 05 09 24 Preferably, the first and / or second panel comprises an outer sheet made of a breather membrane of waterproof material, which is connected to the joists of the same panel. Ideally, the outer sheet is the outermost sheet of the panel in use. Preferably, the first and / or second panel comprises an insulating material filling the 5 volume which is not occupied by the joists J. Preferably, the first panel comprises a vapour control layer that is positioned between the joists and the diaphragm means. Preferably, the second panel comprises a vapour control layer that is positioned on the inner side of the joists. 10           Preferably, the second panel comprises an insulating material filling the volume which is not occupied by the joists and further comprises an outer sheet, made of a breather membrane of waterproof material, that is connected to the joists. Preferably, the second panel consists only of an insulating material filling the volume which is not occupied by the joists and further comprises an outer sheet, made of a breather 15 membrane of waterproof material, that is connected to the joists. Preferably, the gable roof system comprises a set of counter battens connecting at least two adjacent panels, wherein said counter battens are mounted over the joists of the panels. Ideally, the counter battens are disposed perpendicularly in respect of the longitudinal extension of the joists of the panels. 20          Preferably, the gable roof system comprises roofing lathes that are mounted perpendicular to the counter battens and over a tiling felt positioned between the roofing lathes and the counter battens. Preferably, the gable roof system comprises tiles that are connected over the roofing lathes. 25           Accordingly, all these objects, taken individually and in any combination thereof, are achieved according to the invention by a panel for a gable roof system, said panel having two lateral sides configured to span the entire distance from gable to gable and connected at their ends by respective end sides that are sloped downward when the panel is mounted, said panel 05 09 24 being provided with at least two parallel joists running from one sloped downward end side to the other sloped downward end side in the panel and provided also with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists of the corresponding panel, and wherein said diaphragm means is provided with at least one gap. 5           Accordingly, all these objects, taken individually and in any combination thereof, are achieved according to the invention by a panel for a gable roof system, said panel having two lateral sides configured to span the entire distance from gable to gable and connected at their ends by respective end sides that are sloped downward when the panel is mounted, said panel being provided with at least two parallel joists running from one sloped downward end side to 10 the other sloped downward end side in the panel and provided also with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists of the corresponding panel, and wherein said diaphragm means having a longitudinal extension lower that the longitudinal extension of the joists. Preferably, said diaphragm means are interrupted along the longitudinal development 15 of the joists. Ideally, the diaphragm means are provided with gaps between each other along the longitudinal development of the joists. Preferably, the diaphragm means of the panel are defined on the inner face, i.e. on the face that - when the panel is mounted and in use - facing toward the interior of the roof. 20          Preferably, the panel comprises an outer sheet made of a breather membrane of waterproof material, which is connected to the joists of the same panel. Ideally, the outer sheet is the outermost sheet of the panel in use (i.e. when mounted on the roof). Preferably, the panel comprises an insulating material filling the volume which is not occupied by the joists. 25          Preferably, the panel comprises a vapour control layer that is positioned between the joists and the diaphragm means. 05 09 24 The skilled man will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention. It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention 5 can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 10 The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example one or more embodiments of the solution in accordance with the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is an exploded and perspective view of a building with a gable-ended roof according 15 to the prior art; Figure 2 is a view of a roof panel according to the prior art with some details of the roof in which the panel has been installed, Figure 3 is a perspective view from the outside of a (first) gable roof system according to the invention wherein, for clarity reason, the insulation layer and the outer sheet of the panels have 20 been removed, Figure 4 is a perspective view from the outside of the gable roof system roof of fig. 3 with some details of the connection between the panels of the gable roof system, Figure 5 is a perspective view from the inside and at the ridge of a further (second) embodiment of a gable roof system according to the invention. 25 Figure 6 is a perspective view from the outside of the gable roof system roof of figure 5, Figure 7 is a further perspective view from the outside of the gable roof system of figures 5 and 6, Figure 8 is an image from the inside and at the ridge of a gable roof system according to the embodiment of figures 5 - 7, 05 09 24 Figure 9 is a further image from the inside of a gable roof system according to the embodiment of figures 5 - 8, Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of a gable roof system according to the first embodiment of the invention, 5 Figure 11 is a schematic drawing of a gable roof system according to the second embodiment of the invention, Figure 12 is a schematic drawing of a gable roof system according to a third embodiment of the invention, Figure 13 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of an individual panel suitable for use as 10 the first panel of the invention, provided with diaphragm means, Figure 14 is a schematic drawing of a further embodiment of an individual panel suitable for use as the first panel of the invention, provided with diaphragm means. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 15 Referring to the figures, there is shown a gable roof system 1 according to the invention, that is of the type with two sloped parts 2 whose upper portions meet to form its ridge so as to leave a corresponding gable 3’, 3” at each end, wherein one of the two sloped parts 2 comprises at least two roof panels 4, 5 placed one above the other. Each of said at least two panels - namely the first panel 4 and the second panel 5 - 20 extends from one gable 3’ to the other gable 3”. Each of said at least two panels - namely the first panel 4 and the second panel 5 -has two sides 14’, 14” configured to span the entire distance from one gable 3’ to the other gable 3” and connected at their ends by respective sides 15’, 15” that are sloped downward when the panels is mounted 25           Each of said at least two panels - namely the first panel 4 and the second panel 5 - extends from one gable 3’ to the other gable 3’’ - is provided with at least two parallel joists 6 running perpendicularly from gable 3’ to gable 3” and being parallel to the sides 14’, 14”. 05 09 24 A first panel 4 is provided with diaphragm means 10 spanning and mechanically coupled with at least two joists 6 of the corresponding first panel 4, while the second panel 5 is not provided with diaphragm means. In particular, the joists 6 run parallel to each other from one sloped downward side 15’ 5 to the other sloped downward side 15” of each of the two panels. Each of the two pitched part 2 of the gable roof system 1 comprises a ridge panel 11 at the apex / top of the roof, an eave panel 12 at the bottom of the roof in correspondence of each eave and at least one intermediate panel 13 positioned between the ridge panel and the eave panel of the corresponding part 2. Preferably, the intermediate panel 13 may comprise 10 an aperture 19 for installing a dormer or a skylight. Preferably, the first panel 4 provided with diaphragm means and the second panel 5 not provided with diaphragm means are connected to each other by connecting elements, such as straps or counter battens 21. Preferably, in a first embodiment, the first panel 4 provided with diaphragm means 10 15 spanning (and mechanically coupled with) at least two joists 6 is the eave panel 12, while the second panel 5 not provided with diaphragm means is the intermediate panel 13 or the ridge panel 11. Preferably, the first panel 4 provided with diaphragm means spanning (and mechanically coupled with) at least two joists is positioned below the second panel 5 not provided with diaphragm means, said second panel 5 being supported on top of said first panel 20    4. Preferably, in a second embodiment, the first panel 4 provided with diaphragm means 10 spanning (and mechanically coupled with) at least two joists 6 is the ridge panel 11, while the second panel 5 not provided with diaphragm means is the intermediate panel 13 or the eave panel 12. Preferably, the first panel 4 provided with diaphragm means spanning (and 25 mechanically coupled with) at least two joists is positioned above the second panel 5 not provided with diaphragm means, and said second panel 5 is supported / suspended / hung from the first panel 4 by straps or counter battens 21. Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 may span all the joists 6 of the first panel 4. 05 09 24 Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 may comprise a board made of rigid material. Ideally, the diaphragm means 10 comprises an oriented strand board (OSB). Preferably, the diaphragm means comprises an oriented strand board (OSB) having a thickness less than 1 cm, ideally of about 9 mm. 5           Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 extends along the entire length of the panel corresponding to the longitudinal developmentof the joists 6 (and corresponding substantially to the distance between the gables 3’, 3” of the building). Ideally, the diaphragm means 10 has an extension of 5.5 - 6 metres. Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 has an extension along the longitudinal 10 development of the joists 6 that is lower than the length of the joists 6 of the first panel 4. Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 has an extension lower than the distance from gable 3’ to gable 3”. Ideally, the diaphragm means has an extension lower than 5.5 - 6 metres. Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 of the first panel 4 comprises a continuous panel. Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 of the first panel 4 comprises a panel with at least 15 one gap 17 (i.e. a portion that is void). Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 of the first panel 4 comprises at least two diaphragm elements 10’ and 10” that are separated by a gap 17. Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 of the first panel 4 are intermittent, i.e. there are at least two diaphragm elements 10’ and 10” that are separated by at least one gap 17. 20          Preferably, said at least two diaphragm elements 10’ and 10” are mechanically coupled to all the joists 6 of the first panel 4. Preferably, the number of joists 6 is the same in the first panel 4 and in the second panel 5. Preferably, the ridge panel 11 of one sloped part 2 of the gable roof system 1 is 25 mechanically coupled to the ridge panel 11 of the other sloped part 2 of the gable roof system 1, in particular by means of a ridge connecting element - for example a strap or bracket 23 -to be lapped over the ridge panels 11 of the two sloped parts 2. Preferably said ridge 05 09 24 connecting element is mechanically coupled to the counter battens 21 extending from an upper panel to a lower panel. Preferably, the diaphragm means 10 of the panel are defined on the inner face of the first panel, i.e. on the face of the first panel that - when the first panel is mounted and in use -5 faces toward the interior of the roof. Preferably, the first 4 and / or second panel 5 comprises an outer sheet 30 made of a breather membrane of waterproof material, which is connected to the joists 6 of the same panel. Ideally, the outer sheet 30 is the outermost sheet in use. Preferably, the first 4 and / or second panel 5 comprises an insulating material filling 31 10 the volume which is not occupied by the joists 6. Preferably, the first 4 and / or second panel 5 comprises a vapour control layer 32 that is positioned on the inner side of the joists 2. Referring to figure 13, there is shown a panel 50 - according to the invention - for a gable roof system. In particular, the panel 50 has two sides 14’, 14” configured to span the 15 entire distance from gable to gable and connected at their ends by respective sides 15’, 15” that are sloped downward when the panel is mounted, said panel being provided with at least two parallel joists 6 running from one sloped downward side 15’ to the other sloped downward side 15” in the panel and provided also with diaphragm means 10 spanning and mechanically coupled with at least two joists 6 of the corresponding panel, and wherein said diaphragm 20 means 10 comprising at least two diaphragm elements 16 provided with gaps 17. Referring to figure 14, there is shown a panel 50 - according to the invention - for a gable roof system. In particular, the panel 50 has two sides 14’, 14” configured to span the entire distance from gable to gable and connected at their ends by respective sides 15’, 15” that are sloped downward when the panel is mounted, said panel being provided with at least 25 two parallel joists 6 running from one sloped downward side 15’ to the other sloped downward side 15” in the panel and provided also with diaphragm means 10 spanning and mechanically coupled with at least two joists 6 of the corresponding panel, and wherein said diaphragm means 10 has a longitudinal extension lower that the longitudinal extension of the joists 6. 05 09 24 From the above disclosure, the advantages of the solution according to this invention are apparent, since it allows to reduce the quantity of rigid material (in particular OSB) to be used, thus reducing both the cost and the weight, with a further important save of energy used to manufacture the rigid board (in particular if made of OSB) and also used for the 5 manufacturing and transportation of the panels, and this is obtained without affecting or reducing the structural integrity of the panels and of the roof system so obtained (in particular the load tests according EN1991-1-3 have been successfully passed). Moreover, by removing the inner rigid board in the second panel, the entire vapour control layer will be visible, thus allowing complete inspection after install to ensure that it has not been compromised. 10 Moreover, by removing the inner board in the second panel, the dryliner is able to fix the plasterboards directly to the panel and the tile vents, SVPs or other services can be installed easier as the rigid panel is not in place to core drill. In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in 15 combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment. In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the 20 disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred 25 value and said intermediate value. The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in CXI any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gable roof system of the type with two sloped parts whose upper portions meet to form its ridge so as to leave the space for a corresponding gable wall at both ends, wherein one of the two sloped parts comprises at least two roof panels placed one above the other, each of said at least two panels extending from one gable to the other gable and being provided with at least two parallel joists running perpendicularly from one gable to the other gable, and wherein one of said two panels is a first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and being coupled with at least two joists of the corresponding panel while the other of said two panels is a second panel not provided with diaphragm means.

2. A gable roof system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm means of the first panel is mechanically coupled with at least two joists of the corresponding first panel.

3. A gable roof system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each sloped part of the gable roof system comprises a ridge panel at the apex / top of the roof and an eave panel at the bottom of the roof in correspondence of each eave.

4. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each part further comprises at least one intermediate panel positioned between the ridge panel and the eave panel of the corresponding part.

5. A gable roof system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the intermediate panel is configured to receive a dormer or a skylight.

6. A gable roof system as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is the ridge panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is the intermediate panel.

7. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is the ridge panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is the eavepanel.11 09 238. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is the intermediate panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is the eave panel.5       9. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first panelprovided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is a first intermediate panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is a further intermediate panel.

10. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first panel 10          provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is theeave panel, while the second panel not provided with diaphragm means is the intermediate panel or the ridge panel.

11. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel provided with diaphragm means and the second panel not provided with 15          diaphragm means are connected to each other by connecting elements, ideally bystraps or counter battens.

12. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 9 or 11, wherein the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is positioned above the second panel not provided with diaphragm means.20       13. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 9 or 11 to 12, wherein thefirst panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is positioned above the second panel not provided with diaphragm means, and said second panel is supported / suspended / hung from the first panel by straps or counter battens.25       14. A gable roof system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first panel provided withdiaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is positioned below the second panel not provided with diaphragm means.11 09 2315. A gable roof system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first panel provided with diaphragm means spanning and coupled with at least two joists is positioned below the second panel not provided with diaphragm means, said second panel being supported on top of said first panel.5       16. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein thediaphragm means span more than two joists of the panel.

17. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel and / or second panel is provided with a top joist at the upper side of the panel and with a bottom joist at the lower side of the panel, the diaphragm means extends 10           from the top joist to the bottom joist of the first panel.

18. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm means comprises a board made of rigid material.

19. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm means comprises an oriented strand board (OSB).15       20. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein thediaphragm means comprises an oriented strand board (OSB) having a thickness less than 1 cm, ideally of about 9 mm.

21. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm means comprises elements made of metal.20       22. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein thediaphragm means comprises metal plates.

23. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm means comprises any means that is configured so that the at least two joists coupled with the diaphragm means define a structural support beam assembly.25       24. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein thediaphragm means extends along the entire length of the first panel corresponding to the longitudinal development of the joists.

25. A gable roof system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm means of the first panel comprises a continuous panel or the diaphragm means of the first panel are intermittent.

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