Are tiles really superior to iron sheets?
Jul 20, 2007
TODAY, there are a variety of stylish roofing options. However, every option has its high and low points. According to an FBW architect, G. W Sendiwala: “You might think a roof is simply just that, but it is actually an integral part of your home’s design.â€
By Titus Kakembo
TODAY, there are a variety of stylish roofing options. However, every option has its high and low points. According to an FBW architect, G. W Sendiwala: “You might think a roof is simply just that, but it is actually an integral part of your home’s design.â€
There are different roof shapes, but within each shape, there are variations as well. He adds that the list of options among the trendy home-owners includes: front or side gabled, pyramid, salt box, cross gabled, bonnet, mansard and flat.
A survey of houses in plush residential areas is a revelation that the most used roofing material are tiles and iron sheets. Lately, tiles have stretched to include iron on top of the already existing clay ones. And they are produced in a wide variety of colours and shapes. In the stiff race for providing roofing materials are: Uganda Baati, African Clays in Wakiso, Roofings and Hardware Deals among others.
Tiles:
“The metal tiles can last between 20 to 50 years and they are cheaper because one does not need lots of timber to put them in place,†says Johnnie Opira, a property developer in Kitooro in Entebbe. This type of roofing is recommended because they are more durable.
The clay or concrete tiles are equally durable, the most common form being the half-barrel shaped one. There are also corrugated-shaped and flat or tapered-shaped ones, although they are rare. Experts say because of weight, clay roofing materials may need extra weight in the rafters, adding more to the roofing costs.
As the market is flooded with so many types of roofing materials, it is confusing to a property developer to determine what materials to use. But other than the cost, climate, neighbourhood and local building laws are the other things to consider.
The shape of the roof also has a big influence on the material to use. “The pitch (shallow or very steep) will determine the type of roofing material to use,†Sendiwala explains.
Iron sheets:
And when it comes to home renovation projects, the iron sheets make the work easier.
There are materials to compare, prices to collect, and most often contractors to hire. Iron sheets are cheaper as compared to tiles, yet if you choose to use a strong gauge they will stand the test of time.
Metal roofing can hold up to climatic challenges more than many other materials. While the cost of the roofing material may be high upon installation, the roof itself can easily last in excess of fifty years.
Like other roofing materials, metal roofing is today offered to customers in a variety of styles and colours. Of course, the final cost of the roofing will depend on the amount of roofing material that you need to purchase.
And while many home-owners will attempt to install the metal roofing themselves because of the ease of handling the metal sheets, installation is most often best left to the professionals. You will pay no more for installation of metal roofing than you would for any other roofing installation.
Property developers are advised to work with reputable roofing companies with experience in handling and installing metal roofing.
TODAY, there are a variety of stylish roofing options. However, every option has its high and low points. According to an FBW architect, G. W Sendiwala: “You might think a roof is simply just that, but it is actually an integral part of your home’s design.â€
There are different roof shapes, but within each shape, there are variations as well. He adds that the list of options among the trendy home-owners includes: front or side gabled, pyramid, salt box, cross gabled, bonnet, mansard and flat.
A survey of houses in plush residential areas is a revelation that the most used roofing material are tiles and iron sheets. Lately, tiles have stretched to include iron on top of the already existing clay ones. And they are produced in a wide variety of colours and shapes. In the stiff race for providing roofing materials are: Uganda Baati, African Clays in Wakiso, Roofings and Hardware Deals among others.
Tiles:
“The metal tiles can last between 20 to 50 years and they are cheaper because one does not need lots of timber to put them in place,†says Johnnie Opira, a property developer in Kitooro in Entebbe. This type of roofing is recommended because they are more durable.
The clay or concrete tiles are equally durable, the most common form being the half-barrel shaped one. There are also corrugated-shaped and flat or tapered-shaped ones, although they are rare. Experts say because of weight, clay roofing materials may need extra weight in the rafters, adding more to the roofing costs.
As the market is flooded with so many types of roofing materials, it is confusing to a property developer to determine what materials to use. But other than the cost, climate, neighbourhood and local building laws are the other things to consider.
The shape of the roof also has a big influence on the material to use. “The pitch (shallow or very steep) will determine the type of roofing material to use,†Sendiwala explains.
Iron sheets:
And when it comes to home renovation projects, the iron sheets make the work easier.
There are materials to compare, prices to collect, and most often contractors to hire. Iron sheets are cheaper as compared to tiles, yet if you choose to use a strong gauge they will stand the test of time.
Metal roofing can hold up to climatic challenges more than many other materials. While the cost of the roofing material may be high upon installation, the roof itself can easily last in excess of fifty years.
Like other roofing materials, metal roofing is today offered to customers in a variety of styles and colours. Of course, the final cost of the roofing will depend on the amount of roofing material that you need to purchase.
And while many home-owners will attempt to install the metal roofing themselves because of the ease of handling the metal sheets, installation is most often best left to the professionals. You will pay no more for installation of metal roofing than you would for any other roofing installation.
Property developers are advised to work with reputable roofing companies with experience in handling and installing metal roofing.