**1. Roof Design and Construction:**
– Etymology: Old English term for roof is ‘hrof’ derived from Proto-Germanic word ‘khrofam’
– Roof materials range from banana leaves to wood shakes
– Construction determined by support method and pitch
– Roof shapes vary based on climate and materials
– Roofers specialize in roof construction
– Roof consists of supporting structure and outer skin
– Roof structure supported by walls in most cases
– Roof supporting structure has long beams of strong material
– Roofing materials vary by availability
– Roof assembly provides multiple functions
– Insulating properties of a roof are important for securing people and possessions
– Primary function of most roofs is to keep out water
**2. Roof Support and Materials:**
– Timber offers aesthetic and practical functions
– Stone lintels and arches have historical support roles
– Steel girders and reinforced concrete beams common now
– Vegetation often used in vernacular architecture
– Composition asphalt shingles introduced in the 20th century
– Insulation boards or batt insulation commonly incorporated in modern commercial/industrial roof assemblies
– Metal and tile roofs lasting 50+ years
– Slate roofs are durable and can last 75 to 150+ years
– Cut turf or green roofs have good insulating properties
– Adobe roofs are made of clay mixed with binding material
– Various materials like baked tiles, sheet metal, and metal roofing have been used for roofing
**3. Roof Functions and Maintenance:**
– Functions include shedding water, protecting building interior, providing thermal insulation
– Water standing on roof surface increases live load and contributes to premature deterioration
– Ceilings are commonly installed under roof structural members for additional insulation
– Cool roofs with high reflectivity and thermal emittance are becoming popular
– Proper drainage prevents water from causing damage or inconvenience
– Ice dams can form on poorly insulated and ventilated roofs
– Roofs made of cut turf or green roofs have good insulating properties
**4. Historical and Solar Roofs:**
– Historical roofing materials include slate, asbestos, cut turf, green roofs, adobe, baked tiles, sheet metal, and metal roofing
– Solar shingles can generate electricity and cover the roof
– Solar systems can generate hot water or hot air
– Solar systems can be integrated in pitched roofs or mounted on existing roofs
– Integration in flat roof membranes or mounting on flat roofs is possible
**5. Roof Styles and Significant Roofs:**
– Basic roof shapes include flat, gabled, mansard, and more
– Pitched roofs like gabled and hipped are common
– Some roofs follow organic shapes or architectural designs
– Toji-ji in Kyoto features five different roof styles
– Hospices de Beaune in France has polychrome tiles
– Sydney Opera House features glazed ceramic tiles
– Great Mosque of Kairoun in Tunisia has an ashlar masonry dome
– Taj Mahal in India has a marble dome.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2012) |
A roof (pl.: roofs or rooves) is the top covering of a building, including all materials and constructions necessary to support it on the walls of the building or on uprights, providing protection against rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature, and wind. A roof is part of the building envelope.
.jpg)
The characteristics of a roof are dependent upon the purpose of the building that it covers, the available roofing materials and the local traditions of construction and wider concepts of architectural design and practice, and may also be governed by local or national legislation. In most countries, a roof protects primarily against rain. A verandah may be roofed with material that protects against sunlight but admits the other elements. The roof of a garden conservatory protects plants from cold, wind, and rain, but admits light.
A roof may also provide additional living space, for example, a roof garden.
Definition from ChatGPT:
Roof:
A roof is the top covering of a building or structure that provides protection from weather elements such as rain, snow, and sunlight. It is typically constructed to be waterproof and durable, and can be made from various materials such as shingles, tiles, metal, or thatch. The main purpose of a roof is to shield the interior of a building from external elements and to help maintain a comfortable environment inside.