To change the visible surface pattern of a roof in Revit, such as for shingles or tiles, you primarily need to modify the material applied to the roof's top layer. This process allows you to define how the roof appears in plan, elevation, and 3D views.
How to Change the Surface Pattern (Shingles, Tiles) of a Roof in Revit
Changing a roof's surface pattern involves accessing and modifying the material properties assigned to the roof's outermost layer. This allows you to choose from various built-in patterns or create custom ones, enhancing the visual representation of your building.
Understanding Roof Patterns in Revit
In Revit, patterns applied to surfaces are categorized into two main types:
- Model Patterns: These represent actual building material dimensions (e.g., the exact size of a brick, a shingle, or a tile). They scale with the model and maintain their real-world size regardless of the view scale. These are ideal for realistic representation and detailed documentation.
- Drafting Patterns: These are view-dependent and scale with the view. They are typically used for symbolic representation in specific view scales and do not represent actual dimensions.
For realistic roof appearances like shingles or tiles, Model Patterns are highly recommended.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Roof's Surface Pattern
Follow these steps to update the pattern of your roof in Revit:
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Select the Roof Element:
- In your Revit model, select the roof whose pattern you wish to change.
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Access Type Properties:
- With the roof selected, in the Properties palette, click on "Edit Type". This opens the Type Properties dialog for the roof.
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Edit Structure:
- In the Type Properties dialog, locate the "Structure" parameter under "Construction" and click "Edit". This will open the Edit Assembly dialog, which lists all the layers that compose your roof.
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Locate the Finish Material:
- Identify the outermost layer of your roof structure (usually the top layer responsible for the visible finish). In the "Material" column for this layer, click on the "Material Name" field. An ellipsis (...) button will appear. Click this button to open the Material Browser.
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Modify Material Graphics:
- In the Material Browser dialog, ensure you are on the "Graphics" tab.
- Under the "Surface Pattern Foreground" section, click in the "Pattern" field. This action will open the Fill Patterns dialog.
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Select a Model Pattern:
- In the Fill Patterns dialog:
- Change the "Pattern Type" to "Model". This is crucial for realistic, dimensionally accurate patterns.
- From the list of available patterns, select the desired pattern, such as "Shake" for a shingle-like appearance, or choose another suitable pattern for tiles, standing seam, etc.
- Click "OK".
- In the Fill Patterns dialog:
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Confirm Changes:
- Click "OK" in the Material Browser.
- Click "OK" in the Edit Assembly dialog.
- Click "OK" in the Type Properties dialog.
Your roof's surface pattern will now update in the model to reflect the selected material pattern.
Advanced Considerations and Best Practices
- Custom Patterns: If the built-in patterns don't meet your needs, you can create custom patterns by importing
.patfiles. In the Fill Patterns dialog, select "New" and then choose "Custom" to browse for your.patfile. - Visibility Graphics (VG): If your pattern isn't showing, check your view's Visibility Graphics (VG) settings. Ensure that "Roofs" (or the specific element category) are enabled and that "Surface Patterns" are turned on for them.
- View Scale: While Model Patterns maintain their real-world dimensions, their appearance can still seem denser or sparser depending on the view scale. Drafting patterns, on the other hand, will scale with the view, maintaining a consistent density on paper.
- Material Library: Consider creating a project-specific material library for consistent roof material definitions across your projects.
- Transparency: For some architectural effects, you might adjust the "Transparency" setting on the Graphics tab of the material.
Model vs. Drafting Patterns: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Model Pattern | Drafting Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Behavior | Real-world dimensions, scales with the object | View-dependent, scales with the view |
| Units | Feet and Inches (or Metric) | Paper units (e.g., inches on paper) |
| Purpose | Realistic representation, quantification | Symbolic representation, annotation |
| Example | 12"x24" Tile, 5" Exposure Shingle | Generic diagonal crosshatch |
| Use Case | Elevation, 3D views, detailed plans | Section views, schematic plans |
By understanding and utilizing Model Patterns for your roof materials, you can achieve a more accurate and visually compelling representation of your design in Revit.
