In traditional Bhutanese architecture the roof feature and associated elements signified hierarchical order and one's status in society. The roof features are Jabzhi, Jamthog and Lung-go and associated elements are Sertog. Gyaltshen, and Gungdhar.
The most common traditional Bhutanese roof is a gable roof, which consists of a heavy principle beam known as Gungchhen,
Gungchhung, and Lungzey (refer illustration-01) supported by a series of vertical posts known as Shari, Sha-thung, Lhiuchung and Ga. In the middle and at the rear of the house, the Dingri are supported on raised rammed earth known as Chholo. Over the principle beams the Tsim (rafters) are placed, on which the Dhangchung (roofing battens) are laid very closely, which are in turn fastened to the Tsim (rafters).
Shinglep (timber shingles) are laid on the Dhangchung either in three or four layers and held down by stones over the lath. Traditional roof pitches are 12 to 15 degrees.
Photo 1-a
Traditional gable roof with Lung-go under construction