Training Aid: Handling Complex Roofs

Module: Advanced Site Modeling

Audience: Designers & Field Support

Prerequisite: Aurora Basics & SmartRoof Fundamentals

1. The Challenge

When SmartRoof Fails

The "SmartRoof" tool is excellent for simple, standard homes. However, it often fails or creates "glitches" on complex custom homes with:

• Multiple roof heights/tiers.

• Irregular additions or renovations.

• Unique architecture (turrets, wrap-around porches, Dutch gables).

The Rule: If you spend more than 5 minutes fighting with SmartRoof to make it match the satellite image, stop. Switch to the Roof Face tool.

2. The Solution: "Roof Face" Mode

Instead of drawing the whole perimeter at once, we draw one roof plane at a time. This gives you ultimate control.

Step-by-Step Workflow:

1. Activate the Tool:

   • Go to the Site tab > Hover over Roof > Select Roof Face.

2. Draw a Single Plane:

   • Trace only the rectangular or triangular shape of one roof section (e.g., just the south-facing slope).

   • Tip: Always follow the orange dotted lines to ensure your angles stay square (90°).

3. Define the Edges:

   • Click on each line of the shape you just drew.

   • Assign it a role in the right-hand menu: Eave, Ridge, Valley, or Rake.

   • Why? This tells the software which side connects to the gutter (lower) and which side connects to the peak (higher).

4. Repeat & Connect:

   • Draw the adjacent roof plane. When you drag the new nodes close to the existing ones, they will "snap" together, creating a watertight 3D model.

3. Handling Specific Complex Features