By Rami Moorosi
It goes without saying that roofs should be constructed properly, not only for aesthetic appeal but for comfort and safety as well. A poorly constructed roof can result in problems such as leaks, or even worse, result in the collapse of the structure.
Taking the first steps
It is vital to carefully select your roofing contactor and Dave Mills of Eastrandroofers goes on to add: “Check references carefully and don’t get caught out by paying up front. Ensure work is guaranteed against leaks and defective workmanship, and all work involving trusses is issued with an engineer’s certificate to ensure safety and standards compliance. Request a quantity assessment on materials needed for your project.
Also remember to select the style of the roof, for example contemporary, Tuscan, Balinese and so forth. “It would be best to consult with a representative from a reputable roof covering manufacturer as this will enable the home owner to make an informed choice as to what theme would best complement the home. It would also be best to discuss your chosen theme with an architect, project manager, roofing contractor or a reputable roof truss manufacturer who would also take care of the legalities,” advises Juliano Amodio, the general manager of Marley Roofing.
Styles and materials
Always a popular choice, roof tiles come in a wide range of styles, types and colour. The choice of style depends on your personal needs, taste and budget. Slate tiles, for example, are dark in colour and vary in tone from black to grey to blue to green. A slate roof tile is very durable and waterproof, however if you have budget constraints, this type of roof is costly.
Flat roofs are a popular choice in regions where the climate does not lean toward snow or heavy rainfall. A roof with a slope of less than 15° is classified as flat (note that a minimum gradient of 3° to 5° is needed). When constructing a flat roof, it is important to ensure that you have adequate outlets, and that these are large enough to expel water fast. A flat roof still needs a slight pitch for water drainage.
Thatched roofs are ideal for the South African climate because they make sure buildings are warm in winter and cool in summer. Dave advises home owners to keep the design simple, as complicated designs will require more maintenance at a later stage.
A fire-retardant product that complies with SABS specifications should be applied to the thatch, poles, rope and ridges before construction as well.
A great alternative to traditional thatching is the HarveyThatch tile which is supplied by roofing companies such as Macsteel Roofing. This tile has the look, warmth and character of traditional thatch but is more durable and virtually maintenance-free. The tough but flexible lightweight steel roof tile is coated with element-proof natural stone chips, and is a favourable roofing solution for new or existing roofs.
Roof trussesSimply put, a roof truss is a frame for rooftops. It carries the weight of the deck and framing of the roof, and protects against the pressure exerted by wind on the upper chord of the roof.
There are various designs of roof trusses available, and they can be made from steel or wood. The roof truss design depends on the desired shape and style of the roof. Steel roof trusses, are most commonly used for commercial buildings, and cost more than wooden roof trusses.
The advantages of a steel roof truss over a wooden type include the fact that steel is lighter and more resistant to rot and insect damage.
Wooden roof trusses are more commonly used in the building of homes. A wooden roof truss has an advantage over steel roof truss in that it is cheaper than steel and faster to set up.
Basic maintenance
Once your new roof has been constructed, it is important to do an annual inspection as South Africa has a very harsh climate. Check for cracked or broken tiles and replace them when necessary, and ensure that the cement surrounding ridge tiles is still holding. If hairline cracks appear, it is a good idea to use an acrylic fibre sealant. Also ensure that valleys are clean and check that under-tile flashings are free of debris.
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