In the process of building or renovating a house, choosing the right roof shape is not as simple as people think. The roof not only serves as an important part of the house and a protection for the whole house. The roof also plays an important role in presenting the appearance or architectural style of a house. In other words, the roof also plays a role in shaping and enhancing the visual image of our home. However, everything in this world has its good and bad side. Likewise, the roof of the house. Before deciding what form of roof is most suitable for our tiny palace, it’s good to listen to the following explanation.

1. Flat roof

At first glance, the flat roof looks completely flat with no drains to drain rainwater. In fact, the canals were (and had to) be built so that the flat roof would avoid damage from rainwater puddles. The flat roofed buildings were originally erected as industrial and commercial facilities. In its development, flat roofs are widely used for housing.

 

Advantages

With the form of a flat roof, an open space on the roof is formed which can be transformed into a roof terrace for relaxing, or an area for planting in pots. Air conditioning devices (AC) or solar panels can be installed easily and do not endanger the safety of workers. Flat roof construction is easier to manufacture than other types of roofs. In addition, less material is needed so that it can reduce construction costs.

Deficiency

The low, or almost non-existent, degree of slope makes the flat roof prone to leaks. Therefore, flat roofs are less suitable for areas with high levels of rainfall. Although flat roofs require less material, the costs involved in maintenance or repairs can be a burden to homeowners in the long run.

2. Gable

The gable is easily recognized by its triangular shape and steep sloping roof. This type of roof is easy to find around us, and has been used as a model for the roof of residents’ houses for decades. Nowadays we can see colonial era heritage buildings or buildings from the later era which were built with saddles.

 

Advantages

Due to the sloping roof shape on both sides, both rain and snow can slide down without a hitch and stagnant water on the roof is avoided. The typical gable structure forms the empty space under the roof. This empty space can be used for the attic or bedroom. When viewed from inside, the ceiling or ceiling looks high. High ceilings will help improve air circulation, so that the air temperature in the house feels cool at all times.

Deficiency

Gable roofs are not suitable for homes that are often hit by strong winds or tornadoes. If the rafters and roof battens are not supported by strong horses and rafters, the roof can collapse. Strong winds can “blow” he roof covering roof tiles. Even a strong whirlwind can suck the roof completely off the wall.

3. Gambrel roof

This type of roof is not popular in Indonesia. However, some of you may be more fortunate, because you can still see this colonial heritage building with this roof style. In some countries the roof of the gambrel is used for barns, although in its development this roof is also applied to housing. The upper part of the gambrel roof tends to slope, while the lower part is very steep or almost vertical.

 

Advantages

Just like a gable, the empty space under the roof can serve as an attic, bedroom, or another room. Gambrel roof construction can be said to be simple, because it only requires two main roof beams (frame) which are supported by other roof structure joints. The unique gambrel roof shape will make the house the center of attention.

 

Deficiency

Like gable roofs, gambrel roofs are not suitable for areas that experience frequent storms. Likewise in areas with heavy snow in the winter or heavy rain in the rainy season. The construction of the gambrel roof structure cannot be done haphazardly, must be careful, and waterproof on the ridge. The gambrel roof requires regular maintenance to prevent leakage.

 

4. The roof of the shield

The roof of the shield has sloping sides on all four sides. Sometimes it can be shaped like a prism, or a combination of several prisms like a roof in the image which is also called a double shield roof. This type of roof was also popular in Indonesia during colonial times, and is still applied in buildings erected in the modern era.

 

Advantages

Shield roofs are more stable than gable roofs. This is because the shield roof structure is equipped with an inner side that is also sloping on all four sides. This is what makes the shield roof more sturdy and durable. Shield roofs are suitable for areas that are subject to frequent strong winds or heavy rain. This roof also forms an empty space underneath which can be used as an attic or storage space.

Deficiency

The cost of making a shield roof is more expensive than a gable roof. The design is also more complex and requires more materials.

5. Roof back (skillion roof)

This type of roof is characterized by a single roof attached to the walls where one wall is higher than the other walls. When compared to other roof forms that have two or more sloping roofs, a building with a back roof is only covered by one sloping roof. The roof back was used to be used as a roof for the additional building of a house. However, nowadays the roof backing has been widely used as a roof for the main house which reflects modernity.

 

Advantages

A roof back is a type of roof that is easy to build. Compared to other types of roofing, the roof backing requires less material. Either rain or snow glides smoothly on its sloping surface, so this roof is suitable for shelter in snowy or high-rainfall areas. A roof back can also be applied for the purpose of increasing architectural and aesthetic appeal.

Deficiency

If the degree of roof slope is too high, the ceiling of the house may become too low. The roof back is also not suitable for areas that experience frequent strong winds.

6.Mansard roof

Just like the Gambrel roof, the mansard roof is more widely used by colonial buildings. The roof, which is also called the French roof, is shaped like a shield roof at the top, while the lower part is steeper and almost vertical. The undersides of the attic roof can be curved or flat, depending on the style desired.

Advantages

The attic roof allows homeowners to add space on the second floor as needed. When designing and building a house, it is enough for the owner to make a house with a simple mansard roof. Then when funds are sufficient or there are new family members, small rooms with roof windows can be built. Its beautiful shape makes the mansard roofed house the center of attention.

Deficiency

A attic roof is not the ideal choice for shelter in snowy areas. Due to the detail it has, the attic roof costs more. Making the mansard roof also requires special skills that are rarely owned by construction workers in Indonesia.

Casa Italia Roof Kit

The risk of leaks is always there, no matter whether your house has a roof with a back, a limestone roof, or whatever. So before it’s too late, do the following tips to avoid it. Check each area of the ceiling to make sure everything is normal. If you find a part that is damp, weathered, or even damaged, update it immediately so that rainwater doesn’t leak easily.

Measure the angle of the roof. A good roof structure has a slope angle of between 25 – 40 degrees. It is upright enough to ward off strong winds, as well as gentle enough to hold the tile from falling easily.

Check the cleanliness of the gutters regularly, especially after heavy rain. Clean the dirt so that the water flows smoothly. Also check if there are parts that are shifted, broken, or the size and shape is not optimal in accommodating the heavy rainwater, so it needs to be replaced.
For pyramid roofs, look at each tile to ensure that the density is still maintained. Set it back to its original position if something sags. Replace with new ones if you find broken or weathered tiles.

Finally, apply a leak-proof coating, you can use a membrane material or a coating liquid. The membrane is suitable for flat planes, such as lightweight steel flat roofs. While the coating fluid is suitable for all types of roofs.