As Uganda¡¯s population continues to increase, the demand for proper roofing materials has become high.  Different designs of roofing have also been introduced.

The roof may be the last item on the list for any building, but it is definitely one of the most important parts of the house.

According to Abdu-Wahab Nyanzi an architect at JR Consultants, the prices, quality, and durability of roofing materials differ.

¡°The argument between using iron sheets or clay tiles for roofing buildings is a big debate. But what most home-owners desire is a roof that is not too expensive yet it rests forever¡±, he says.

All roofs have their own advantages and disadvantages as Nyanzi points out. Clay and concrete roofing tiles make for the high-end, clean and contemporary look.

Nyanzi says tiles come in a variety of colours, types, styles and brands, to suit the home-owner¡¯s taste. And besides the long lifespan of tiles, you will spend more money of roofing if you use clay tiles.

¡°You will need more timber to support the heavy roofing tiles. Since the tiles come in smaller pieces, you will need to have the purlins closer to each other for support¡¯, he advises.

Nyanzi also says tiles are not entirely water tight. As a result, you have to spend money on an underlay in the form of plain G1 sheets or chicken wire mesh and polythene sheet.

Given the labour intensive nature of making a tiled roof, more money will be spent on labour charges compared to iron sheet roofing.

However, even with expert installation, tiled roofs can leak just a few months after installation. The tiles often move out of their intended position, allowing water to penetrate the roof. Once a leak begins, the roof can deteriorate quickly and tiles can actually fall off the roof. Besides, tiles are very fragile and they crack easily, calling for replacements.

The biggest draw-back of a tiled roof is its cost each tile costs between Sh1, 935 to Sh2, 335 at clay tiles Uganda lmited, Kisaasi branch, but this depends on the type.

Peter Wasswa an architect says you may need up to 16 pieces per square metre. Besides, tiles are also heavy, making initial installation complicated.

¡°Developers have to spend more on the foundation and sometimes even use a double layer of bricks to make a more solid roof frame¡±, Wasswa says.

Nyanzi says it is important to note that the cost is not only built up when you start to roof. The cost is built up as one starts building the walls fit for supporting the heavy tiled roof.

He also says a tiled roof can give property owners a lot pleasure and comfort, provided that it is installed correctly. It is ideal for the tropical climate because the house stays cool all through the day, but warmer throughout the night.

Wasswa says besides, the rich brick-red colour of tiles gives them a natural beauty, which can add charm and elegance to modern or traditional buildings.

¡°Different styles and shapes also give you a wide variety to choose from. There is also a certain prestige accorded to people whose houses have tiled roofs in town, doubtless because of the high cost of installing them¡±, he says.

Nyanzi advises people who want tiles; they need to be maintained quite often. They build up mould every so often and need to be scrubbed to maintain their warm and friendly colour.  It is also important to check on them twice a year.

Iron sheets

With the iron sheets Wasswa says it takes decade without ever requiring maintenance on them.

¡°Iron sheets are also lightweight so they do not require a reinforced foundation, wall or roof frame. They can be installed very easily and cheaply¡±, Wasswa says.

There are iron roofs on sale that are made to resemble tiles. But are virtually maintenance free. With the iron sheets they can feel like the inside of a grill.

There are over five types of iron sheets at roofings limited and Uganda Baati limited. The types include max cover, normal corrugated, versatile; cover max 30 gauges, industrial trough, pre-painted, Eco tile among others.

Wasswa says like versatile sheets these give a distinctive look of tiles and the strength of steel and the prices for iron sheets range from Sh19,000 to Sh50,000.

According to Wasswa in case your iron sheets rest and you want to keep the exterior beauty, you can paint and repaint as many times as you wish.

Original:newvision