krovová

Krovový is an adjective in Czech describing anything related to a roof truss or the timber framework that supports a roof. In architecture and construction, the krovový systém, or krovová konstrukce, refers to the roof frame that carries the roofing material and transfers loads to the building walls. The framework is typically made of timber and may include elements such as rafters, tie beams, and supporting struts; the arrangement of these components determines the roof’s shape, for example sedlový (gable), valbový (hip), or pultový (single-slope) forms.

Function and design considerations include providing structural stability, creating an attic or loft space, and enabling various roof coverings such as tiles, shingles, or metal sheets. The joints, connections, and overall geometry influence durability, insulation, and moisture management. In traditional construction, krovové konstrukce are designed to be visually prominent in timber-framed buildings, and their preservation is often a focus of restoration work.

Historical and regional usage is significant in Central Europe, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and parts of Germany, where timber-roof systems have been employed in houses, farm buildings, and churches. Modern practice frequently uses prefabricated wooden or steel roof trusses within a krovový system, which can speed erection, improve accuracy, and integrate modern insulation and ventilation solutions. The term remains common in architectural writing and documentation when referring to the structural roof frame of a building.