How do you design a base with a proper roof to avoid rain damage?

Designing a base with a proper roof in Valheim is essential to protect your structures and items from rain damage. Rain can degrade wooden structures over time, reducing their durability and eventually causing them to break. To avoid this, you need to ensure your base is fully covered by a roof and that the roof is properly supported. This guide will walk you through the mechanics of roofing, step-by-step instructions, and practical solutions to common challenges.\n\nFirst, understand the game mechanics related to roofing. In Valheim, rain only damages exposed wooden structures, including walls, floors, and beams. Stone structures are immune to rain damage, but early-game players will primarily use wood. To prevent damage, every part of your base must be covered by a roof tile. Roof tiles are crafted using wood and require a workbench nearby. The roof must also be structurally sound, meaning it needs proper support from walls, beams, or pillars. If the roof is too far from its support, it will collapse.\n\nStart by planning your base layout. Decide the size and shape of your structure, keeping in mind that larger roofs require more support. For beginners, a simple rectangular or square design is easiest to manage. Place a workbench in the center of your planned area, as it will be needed to craft and repair structures. Build the foundation using wooden floor tiles, ensuring the ground is level. Uneven terrain can make roofing more challenging, so consider using the hoe to flatten the area if necessary.\n\nNext, construct the walls. Use wooden wall pieces to create the perimeter of your base. Walls should be at least two tiles high to allow for a sloped roof. For added stability, place vertical wooden beams at the corners and along the walls. These beams provide additional support and can help prevent roof collapse. If you''re building a larger structure, consider adding internal support beams or pillars to distribute the weight of the roof evenly.\n\nNow, build the roof. Start by placing roof tiles along one edge of your structure. Roof tiles are sloped, so they must be placed in a specific orientation to form a continuous surface. Begin at the lowest point and work your way up, overlapping each tile slightly to ensure full coverage. For a simple rectangular base, a single-slope roof is sufficient. For more complex designs, you may need to use ridge pieces to connect two sloped sections. Ensure every part of your base is covered, including corners and edges.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with gaps or uneven sections in the roof. If you notice rain damage occurring, check for missing tiles or areas where the roof doesn''t fully overlap. Use the hammer tool to repair damaged structures and add additional tiles as needed. Another issue is roof collapse, which happens when the roof is too heavy or lacks sufficient support. To fix this, add more vertical beams or pillars underneath the roof to reinforce it.\n\nFor advanced players, consider upgrading to stone structures once you unlock the stonecutter. Stone is immune to rain damage and provides better durability overall. Combine stone walls with wooden roofs for a visually appealing and functional design. Additionally, you can use thatch roofing for a more rustic look, though it offers the same protection as wooden roofs.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for maintaining your base. Regularly check for rain damage, especially after expanding your structure. Use the hoe to level the ground before building to avoid uneven foundations. For larger bases, create multiple support points to prevent roof collapse. And always keep a workbench nearby for repairs and upgrades.\n\nBy following these steps, you can design a base with a proper roof that protects your structures from rain damage, ensuring your Valheim home remains safe and functional.