Installing a rooftop over the house has become a stylish trend these days. Besides preventing leakage, it helps regulate the temperature inside the house as well.
Aluminum sheets or asbestos, which were primarily used for roofing, has given way to varied and attractive materials which add to the charming look of the house. These days, people are ready to spend a hefty amount to install an elegant roof top.
However, the quality of the material too should be considered while building a roof.
Palarivattom native Raghunath decided to do roofing when leaks were spotted in different parts of his new house.
He didn’t bother much about the quality of the material, as his priority was to install roofing before the monsoon showers began. He had allotted a particular amount of money for this purpose and asked his contractor to install roofing which could be done within the estimated budget.
The contractor had done as he was told and even completed the work before the stipulated time. But as soon as the monsoon season got over, Raghunath noticed that the roof was loosened and it shook continuously. In order to save money, thin aluminum sheets were used, which got loosened in the harsh rains and wind. He could have easily avoided this had he been a little more careful about choosing the right materials.
One of the major factors ignored by those who do roofing, either to prevent leaks or to enhance the look of the house, is the quality of the materials used. Until recently, in Kerala, the roofs of houses were built either in a slanting or leveled method.
However, this method of construction has undergone a change. The roofs are now built in a slanting position and paved with roofing tiles. It is called a truss work. This style resembles the roofing method followed in the traditional architecture.
Be it installing the roofing sheets or paving roofing tiles, primary importance should be given to the quality of the materials.
Why roofing?
There are many reasons why roofing is done over a house, whose construction has been completed. Though preventing leakages and maintaining the temperature in the interiors are the major reasons, it is also done to create an extra space in the terrace, which could be utilized for various purposes. In houses which aren’t very spacious, the clothes line and the ironing area is arranged here. It could also be transformed into a workout area, play area for kids, roof top garden or a pet’s corner. Moreover, a comfortable office space could be made here by building walls using gypsum boards.
Which materials should be used?
Ceramic tiles, shingles and metallic sheets are mostly used to do roofing. Those who give preference to the elegant look of the house should choose ceramic tiles. However, they are costlier than other roofing materials. A single piece of ceramic tile would cost at least Rs 90. Concrete tiles made by mixing clay, slurry and concrete pigment, too are widely used these days. Imported clay tiles, which cost Rs 100 per piece, are very much in demand. These tiles are durable and its color doesn’t fade easily.
Many prefer metallic sheets better than the ceramic tiles, fearing that the latter would break easily. Besides, it is easy to install and thus costs less. However, if good quality sheets which have at least a medium thickness are not used, it may result in financial loss as well. One of the major disadvantages of aluminum sheets is that it makes unbearable sound during heavy downpours. Galvanized iron sheets are mostly sold in this category.
Paving shingles is a roofing method which is relatively less costly. It is extremely popular in the foreign countries. Shingles are usually paved on roofs which are built in a slanting way. They are incredibly attractive and are available in various designs. Compact poly carbonated sheets too are being used for roofing. The roofing materials which match the color and design should be chosen to enhance the overall look of the house.
Colour matters
Earlier, the roofs of the houses in Kerala had either an aluminum shade or the earthy hue of the mud tiles. However, this trend has changed significantly. Shades of red, blue and green are extensively used on the roof. Roofing materials with intricate designs on it too can be seen these days. The new generation is ready to try out unique designs and methods while constructing their dream home. Similarly, many are interested to build their houses in the European architectural style which has unique roofs and other features.
