Use the Section command when you need to create a roof that is an extrusion (extending a 2D shape along a path to create a 3D object) of a cross-sectional profile. This method is ideal for complex roof shapes that can be defined by a consistent cross-section.
Menu path
Construct-Roof > Section
🧾 What it does
The Section command creates a 3D roof by taking a 2D cross-sectional shape you draw and extending it along a specified length. This is particularly useful for barrel roofs, curved roofs, or any roof with a complex but consistent profile.
🔧 How to use it
First, draw the cross-sectional profile at full size in Plan or Top view using line drawing commands from Modify Roof > More or the CAD menu
Select the Section command
When prompted, select the first line that defines your roof section
Continue selecting lines one after the other in sequence around the shape - each line must be joined to the previous line
Right-click when you have finished selecting all lines
The Section defaults dialog box appears - enter your roof parameters
Click OK to construct the roof
🧾 Section defaults dialog settings
Field | Description |
Roof type | Choose the material category: Tiles, Shingle, Shakes, Metal, or Low-Slope |
Storey | Set the storey level (1, 2, etc.) to separate roofs by floor and apply different labour rates for estimating |
Length | The distance the cross-section will be extended to create the 3D roof |
🛠 How the roof is constructed
When you click OK, Roof Wizard creates the roof by extending the cross-sectional shape you drew along the specified length. The software automatically assigns roof line types:
The two ends become barges/rakes
Internal lines become ridges or valleys
Bottom edge lines become eaves
View the result in ISO view (View > Select > Iso) to better understand the 3D roof shape:
🛠 Curved roof sections
If your section profile includes one or more arcs, the roof becomes a curve-quality roof. Its area will appear as Curved Roofing in the Tools > Tally-Quantities dialog box.
To create curved sections:
Draw the arc that defines your roof section using CAD > Arc > Insert
Follow the normal Section construction process
Select Construct-Roof > Curved for additional curved roof options
⚠️ Important notes
Each line in your cross-section must connect to the next - disconnected lines will cause construction errors
For curved roofs, you must select curve-quality materials when generating metal panel cutting lists, even if the actual material isn't curve-quality
Draw your cross-section at full size for accurate results
💡 When to use Section construction
Section construction works best for:
Barrel roofs and curved roofs
Complex roof profiles that repeat along a length
Custom roof shapes that can't be created with standard gable or hip tools
Roofs with consistent cross-sections but varying complexity