Building Design
The Role of the Roof in Building Design
The functional role of roofing is, of course, to protect us from the elements. It needs to keep the rain and cold out, the warmth in and stand up to wind, hail, and moderate debris such as falling branches.
But a roof can be so much more. Architects considerate of the impact of roofing in the home and building design can use this major component of the architecture to create a strong impression.
Schools Roofing
In this web site you will find wonderful examples of beautiful roofing and case studies showing the impact a well designed roof can have.
Below is further information that may help you when thinking about the design of the roof
Functional Considerations about Roofing
Two questions that are often overlooked in the initial design thought process but are best considered as a part of the main decision are:
1. Should the roof be vented or unvented?
Venting has a different function depending on the climate. For example, while it may seem counter intuitive to vent a roof in colder climates like our own Snowy Mountains, well designed attic ventilation helps ensure a cold roof temperature important in a balanced melting of snow on the roof.
In warmer climates, of course, roof ventilation helps hotter air escape naturally reducing the need for air conditioning and other artificial cooling agents.
Not all roofs are vented though, and for non vented roofs, the architect must decide whether or not a system will be required to control the surface temperature of the roof. Typically a temperature control system will be required in extreme climates.
2. What insulation should be used on Roofing?
The choice of insulation is often influenced by the primary roofing material and can be categorised as either ‘bulk insulation’ or ‘reflective insulation’.
Bulk insulation
creates a physical barrier to the transfer of heat and cold in either direction. It also is relatively effective in blocking sound either way.
It is considered most effective in cooler climates where we want to keep heat in.
Reflective insulation
uses a polished metal surface to reflect heat back in the direction it came. It is particularly effective in warmer climates but in cooler climates is best combined with a bulk insulation option as it is less effective keeping the cold out.
From a design perspective it has the specific benefit of requiring less room than bulk insulation.
The Flexibility of Steel Roofing.
Tridek’s steel roofing is light weight, has an 8 metre span meaning less supports required and comes in a range of colours.
You can twist and turn it any way you like to maximise contrast or integration as you see fit.
Roofing Design by Tridek Roofing
This combination provides great flexibility when designing a home or when designing a roof for a larger building you would like to ensure is unique and fits with the environment in a logical and meaningful way.
The simplicity of installation and ongoing maintenance may also influence your final design and again Tridek’s steel roofing offers great flexibility to fit with your needs in these areas.
