Whenbuilding a home, roofing is one of the most important decisions homeowners have to make. Beyond giving a house its architectural identity, the roof plays a critical role in protecting the structure against harsh weather conditions, particularly strong winds, heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
With different roofing designs and materials available on the market, choosing the right option requires careful consideration of durability, cost, appearance and the overall structure of the house.
Gcinumuzi Ngcobo, a Sales Clerk at Build it plus in Mbabane, says homeowners should pay particular attention to the quality of materials used, as cheaper alternatives may not always provide the durability required for permanent residential structures.
Investing in quality roofing materials
One of the key considerations when roofing a house is the type of material used.
Ngcobo recommends Harvey tiles, which are made from coated steel, as one of the options homeowners can consider. Their lightweight construction and durability make them suitable for withstanding various weather conditions, including hail.
He also highlighted Marley Roman tiles as another option available to homeowners looking for a tiled roof. However, the choice between different tile varieties should take into account their material composition, weight and suitability for the roof structure.
For homeowners considering sheet roofing, Ngcobo recommends IBR and corrugated iron sheets with a thickness of 0.5mm. These offer greater strength and durability compared to the thinner 0.3mm alternatives, which are generally more suitable for temporary structures.
He emphasised that investing in quality roofing materials from the beginning can help minimise maintenance requirements and costly repairs in the future.
Three roofing styles worth considering
Apart from the materials, the architectural design of a roof also determines the appearance and functionality of a house.
Some of the roofing styles homeowners can explore include:
1. Butterfly roof style: The butterfly roof has become an increasingly attractive option in contemporary residential architecture. Its distinctive design features two roof surfaces sloping inwards towards a central valley, creating a shape resembling a butterfly’s wings.
Besides its modern appearance, this design can be particularly useful for rainwater harvesting, as water is directed towards the central collection point. However, proper drainage and waterproofing are essential to prevent water-related problems.
2. Flat roof style: Flat roofs are popular in modern residential designs, particularly smaller houses, extensions, kitchens, outbuildings and other structures.
Their relatively simple design can make them an economical option, depending on the size of the building, materials and construction requirements.
They also provide opportunities for contemporary architectural finishes and can accommodate additional installations. However, proper waterproofing, drainage and structural design are important to ensure their longevity.
3. Gable roof style: The gable roof remains one of the most recognisable roofing designs, characterised by two sloping roof surfaces meeting at a central ridge to form triangular sections at either end.
Although traditionally associated with larger and more upmarket residential properties, this style is increasingly appearing in different communities.
It offers good roof drainage and can accommodate various roofing materials, including Harvey tiles, Roman tiles and IBR sheets. The overall cost will depend on the complexity of the design, roof size, materials and labour requirements.
Protecting your roof against harsh weather
While choosing the right roofing material is important, the construction and installation process also determine how well a roof performs during severe weather.
Ngcobo advises homeowners to ensure that appropriate timber is used and that roof supports are correctly spaced and secured. The spacing should follow the roofing design specifications to provide adequate structural support.
Strategically planting trees around a property can also help reduce wind exposure by acting as natural windbreaks. However, trees should be positioned at a safe distance from the house to prevent falling branches from damaging the roof during storms.
Get professional assistance before roofing
For homeowners embarking on new construction projects, getting the roofing calculations and costing right from the beginning can make a significant difference.
Build it plus offers a variety of roofing materials in different thicknesses, alongside Marley Roman tiles in various varieties.
The store also assists customers with roofing calculations and costing when they provide their building or roofing drawings. Ngcobo and the trained staff are available to help customers determine the materials required for their preferred roofing designs.
For enquiries, customers can contact Build it plus on 2404 9146 or send a WhatsApp message to 7984 4460 for quotations and assistance. Ultimately, the right roof is one that combines durability, functionality and a design that complements the overall appearance of the home.
