In Focus- Roofing
Some of the preferred materials for Roofing in India RCC sheets- Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) is the preferred choice of roofing solution for the buildings in the urban areas accounting for around 53% of the total roofing demand. A Reinforced Concrete Slab is today one of the most common roofing style in India. Corrugated RCC Slabs whose thickness ranges from 10 to 50 centimetres are most often used for the construction of Flat roofing. Being resistant to rotting, insect damage, strong and can be casted to any design or texture, they are most preferred in all kind of structures be it commercial or residential. They can be precast and factory made, hence offer advantage in terms of quicker construction. However, due to heaviness it imparts in the overall structural load of the building, the focus is now shifting and people are looking for alternate roofing materials. Still, according to World Roofing Market Report, demand for concrete roofing tiles will show strong growth in the period ending 2016, particularly in the developing Asia/Pacific region, where concrete tiles account for the largest share of roofing demand.
Shingles- Shingles are popular roofing materials that are majorly used in slope roofing. The concept of shingles (Asphalt, Fiberglass, Slate, Cement, Wood, Concrete) have come from the USA and in India, it is still not very popular. Due to the increase in the number of gated communities with villas and bungalows and resorts, the market potential for shingles in the country is expected to increase. Shingles are of various types, the most common among all are Bituminous Shingles (made with fiberglass and impregnated with asphalt), Tile & Cement shingle, Slate shingle and Rubber shingle. However worldwide, Bituminous products will post the fastest growth through 2016, primarily due to the heavy usage of asphalt shingles in the rebounding US market. The major advantage of roofing shingles is the aesthetics. Among all, wood is one of the most aesthetically appealing shingle but its susceptibility to moisture and high cost makes it a difficult choice. Asphalt shingles and rubber shingles are less expensive of all and hence are popular choices. You can choose from single-thickness asphalt shingles and thick laminated shingles. Laminated asphalt shingles last longer and have an attractive, textured appearance. “While fixing the Roofing Shingles, one has to follow the exact installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid any kind of leakage, seepage or flying of Shingles due to wind pressure,” cautions Hemant Pillai, Country Manager- India Tegola Canadese S.p.A.
“The most common roofing materials today is Galvalume colour coated metal roofs followed by RCC where the top of the roof has to be flat and slope is not required. All sloping roofs essentially are metal roofs these days.” - Manish Garg President and CEO, Steel Building Solutions, Everest Industries Limited
sources. They are also prone to rusting due to moisture which is why Galvalume metal sheets are used. Also, if not done by the right experts, there are chances that the sheets are not properly attached leaving room for moisture to trickle down or more damage in case of thunderstorm. Some types of metal roofing available today are Steel, Aluminum, copper, and Zinc and Galvalume (Galvalume is a very special alloy of 55% Al & 43% Zinc) sheets. Now-a-days, there are pre colour coated sheets available that can enhance the aesthetics of the building to a greater extent.
Polycarbonate Roofing- Known as plastic or light-
weight roofing, Polycarbonate sheet is a versatile, tough material. In the changing environmental, technical, mechanical, commercial and domestic scenarios. polycarbonate sheet is being used for a variety of applications. The main advantage of polycarbonate over other type of plastic, glass and other material is unbeatable strength combined with lightweight and easy handling. It is transparent so can ensure light transmission in the building. Due to its aesthetics and flexibility of working with any kind of structure including flat, semi circular, curved or slope, it is a popular roofing style for shopping malls, retail stores, commercial complexes etc.
Metal Roofing- While earlier considered mundane for its
However, the use of such roofing in residential is very limited. These roofs are also highly priced, not very resistant to scratching, highly sensitive to abrasive cleaners, alkaline cleaning products and solvents. The manufacturing process for polycarbonate panels is not very environmentally friendly and costly. All these factors limit its growth. Now uPVC is also being used as light-weight roofing material.
Metal roofing can either be corrugated or Standing seam. In standing seam, the seam of the interlocking metal panels is raised above the surface and fastened to the roof to allow the water to run off rather than seep between the panels. Corrugated metal roofing consists of interlocking rippled metal sheets that are fastened directly to the roof sheathing. The resulting roof system is extremely durable and lightweight and is capable of lasting up to 50 years. The downside of metal roofing is that it is susceptible to denting from hail and other
“Polycarbonate & uPVC being very light weight roofing materials, need a light steel structure as compared to any other traditional materials or use of Steel / aluminium in the Roof. The basic needs of a structure to be designed needs to take care of Wind speeds / structurally stability and sufficient supports as per defined norms for Polycarbonate & uPVC which enables a water tight Fixing of the Roofing sheets using lowest amount of Steel in the structure. Spans need to be decided as per the Polymer (Polycarbonate / uPVC), the thickness of the sheet, etc. Basically, as the sheets are very light, a robust Structure as per the norms of the Polycarbonate / uPVC manufacturer are to be adhered to. In regards to the skill levels, there are sufficient skilled personnel in India who find use of such sheets far more easier to fix and are able to lay roofs in 30% of the time as compared to any traditional material,” says Mukesh Shah, Managing Director, Tuflite Polymers Limited.
industrial looks, metal roofing today, is one of the most popular means of roofing style all over the world. It is long-lasting, lightweight, and easy to install. It is fire resistant and requires virtually no maintenance. Due to resistance to sunlight and heat, the metal roof is also instrumental in maintaining the inside temperature keeping the interior of the building cool and reducing the electricity load. The metal panels can be installed over your existing roof.
AUGUST 2015 SURFACES REPORTER 88