The roof is the topmost part of the building whose main function is to enclose the space and protect it from the effects of weather elements like rain, wind, sun, heat and snow. A good roof is as important as a secure foundation. Just as a well-designed foundation protects a building from damage that starts from below, a good roof protects the building itself and its contents from damage that starts from above. Prevents To fulfill this important function effectively, the roof must meet the following functional requirements in its design and construction.
- Strength and stability: The roof structure should be strong and stable enough to take up the anticipated loads safely.
- Weather resistance: The roof covering should have adequate resistance to resist the effects of weather elements such as wind, rain, sun and snow.
- Heat insulation: The roofs should provide adequate insulation against heat, particularly in the case of single-storeyed buildings where the roof area may exceed that of walls with a consequent greater heat loss.
- Sound insulation: The roof construction for all buildings should provide adequate degree of insulation against sound from external sources.
- Fire resistance: The roof should offer an adequate degree of fire resistance in order to give protection against the spread of fire from any adjacent building and to prevent early collapse of the roof. The form of construction should also be such that the spread of fire from its source to other parts of the building by way of roof cannot occur.
Roofs should be well designed and constructed to meet the requirements of different climates and available covering materials. Experience has shown that pitched or sloping roofs are most suitable in coastal areas where rainfall is high and flat roofs are suitable in plains where rainfall is low and temperatures are high.
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