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If you briefly look back at the history of architecture, you will find residential roofs in all possible styles, dimensions and materials. From pitched roofs to conical, domed roofs to flat you will have plenty of inspiration to design the roof of your home.
Climate, availability of construction materials and tradition play an important in choosing a roof design. The design of a roof is important to maintain the aesthetic qualities of a building.
It is due to their unique roof design that the sacred edifices of Sumeru Pagoda, Horyu-ji or Kek Lok Si look so spectacular. Masuleh, located in a picturesque area of Northern Iran, has homes with flat roofs that act as streets.
Contemporary architects do not shy away from experimenting with roof styles either. In homify you will find a lot of attractive roof styles for you to take inspirations from. Before deciding on any particular style, remember to take a note of the climate conditions of your region, availability of materials and your budget.
The places which experience heavy rain or snowfall mostly have houses with sloping roofs. Traditional Malaysian buildings in and around Johor, Penang and Perak showcase several variations of sloping roofs. Gabled roofs of European buildings are significantly different from their Asian counterparts.
Flat roof is highly favoured in urban homes. With this kind of roof in place, future expansions become very easy. They can be used for a variety of purposes as well which is not possible with pitched roofs.
Dome shaped roofs are generally reserved for sacred building and auditoriums, but barrel roofs are quite popular in some places. Modern architecture also follows a volumetric division of a building. Consequently you have the opportunities of experimenting with roof shapes for different parts of the building. Try to bring a harmony in design though, so that your home does not end up looking weird or unsightly.
The sheer variety of roofing materials available at your disposal is bound to leave you astounded. From metal shingles to tiles, straw to terracotta tiles, wood to polyester you are perhaps only limited by your imagination.
Because of its durability, metal roofing is favoured for modern homes. But these are expensive and require extensive treatment before installation. Concrete is by far the commonest material used in contemporary Asian homes. Concrete tiles are a relatively new entrant. With its decorative look, concrete tiles can increase the beauty of your building.
Fibre cement is not as heavy as concrete moulds or tiles. They are durable and available in a variety of very appealing colours and textures. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and very affordable. Natural slate may be stylish but not so readily available. Charm of wood endures the test of times. Thatched roofs are also making a comeback.
Green roofing is an age old tradition of insulating your home the natural way. It is followed in Scandinavian countries and repurposed for modern homes worldwide.
Before deciding on a roof design and material consider how much insulation you need for your home. A larger part of Malaysia enjoys a hot to temperate climate as well as high humidity. So choose a design that is bound to make your home more climate responsive. Ensure strength and durability of the structure. Do not forget to give your roof a periodic maintenance.
