A roof is usually the highest covering of a structure, comprising all structures and materials required to support it over the earth’s surface, providing protection from the elements, rain, snow, sunshine, extreme temperatures, and at times wind. A roof may cover a single building or multiple buildings. They are typically made of metal such as aluminum and other materials. The interior design of a roof includes a variety of different materials used and other decorative or aesthetic effects.
Roofing pitches are the recommended materials in the construction of residential and commercial structures. The suggested materials are based on the climate, soil type, and drainage characteristics of the area where the roof will be installed. These recommendations are also related to local building codes. The recommended pitch is about 47% higher than the actual vertical height of the roof. High wind areas require a low pitch while low wind areas require a higher pitch.
Slopes and valleys can create unusual roof types. Slopes with gentle slopes are ideal for flat roofs because water can run off easily from steeply pitched slopes. Vents and gables can provide shelter from strong rain winds while creating an open attic space above the roof types. Vent and gable roofs provide more usable floor space in high wind areas while providing low-depth folds or skylights for bright outdoor light.
Slopes with gentle slope have clay tiles or loose gravel on them. Clay tiles are usually used for roads, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. These tiles can be sloped or designed to create a gentle slope. Gravel or clay tiles can be cut to fit along the sloping roofing material, which is done by professional roofing installers. There are a few disadvantages to using gravel or clay tiles on steeply angled roofs.
Asphalt is one of the most popular roofing materials. It’s also one of the most expensive. However, asphalt shingles are one of the easiest materials to install. Most asphalt shingles have a pre-cut pattern that fits tightly around each other, resulting in very straight lines that look like an asphalt road. Asphalt flat roofs are commonly constructed using asphalt shingles with a built-in tacking strip to the back of each shingle, and then several thin boards laid along the regular pitch.
Slate is a good roofing material for high traffic areas, but it does have some drawbacks. Slate roofs are prone to algae growth and damage due to wind, rain and snow. Slate roofs are also susceptible to being pulled away from their moorings by high winds. On the plus side though, slate roofs do have natural beauty that ceramic tiles lack. Concrete tiles, clay tiles and slate all make great roofing materials; it just comes down to what you prefer.