Roofing
Roof coverings are an essential component of a pitched roof. It protects the internal spaces from external weather elements such as rain, snow, sun, wind, etc
Roof coverings are an essential component of a pitched roof. It protects the internal spaces from external weather elements such as rain, snow, sun, wind, etc. The selection of the roofing material to be used depends on:
Type of the building
Type of roof framework
Initial cost
Maintenance requirements
Fabrication facilities
Appearance
Durability
Availability
Climate
THATCH:
Thatch is a traditional material which is rarely used in urban areas, but commonly used in villages. Thatch roof covering consists of bundles of straw or reeds. The bundles are supported by round bamboo rafters spaced at 20 – 30 cm apart and tied with split bamboo laid at right angles to the rafters. The thatch is tightly secured to the framework with the help of ropes dipped in tar. To drain the roof effectively, a minimum of 45 degrees is kept. The thickness of the thatch roof should be at least 15 cms; normal thickness varies from 20 to 30 cm according to its quality and pitch of the roof.
Advantages:
Thatch efficiently drains off rainwater, excludes wind and acts as a very effective insulator against the transfer of heat, a combination of advantages that no other roofing covering offers.
Disadvantages:
The dry material can readily ignite and burn vigorously. Also, the thick layer of thatch is an ideal home for birds, insects, rodents. It has to be replaced after every 20 – 30 years.
WOOD SHINGLES:
Shingles are thin slabs of wood used to cover roofs. The use of singles is restricted to hilly areas where local timber is easily available at low cost. Though shingle roofing is lightweight, it is not fire and termite resistant.
Wood shingles are obtained from well-seasoned timber, by either sawing or splitting. Sawn shingles are used chiefly. They are obtained in lengths varying from 30 – 40 cm and widths varying from 6 cm to 25 cms. They are approximately 10mm thick at the tailor butt and taper to 3mm or less at the head.
TILE ROOFING:
The use of tiles for roofing is one of the oldest and is still preferred for residential buildings and country houses. Country houses are manufactured from locally available earth. Tiles are named according to their shape and pattern, and they are manufactured by a process similar to the manufacturing of bricks.
Be the first to add a review.
