ASSOCIATIONS
A solid case for
concrete roofs
Concrete is increasingly becoming the roof covering material of
choice for a wide variety of practical reasons, says TCI’s Bryan Perrie.
the convectional flow of hot and cold air
caused by natural ventilation.
“Whether specifying in situ or precast
concrete for roofs, the material presents
the means to create shelter that is at the
same time both impressive and sustainable
by harnessing concrete’s natural qualities
of sculptural flexibility, durability,
affordability and thermal mass in
conjunction with best practice and quality
construction techniques,” he concludes.
There is also
“ increased
pressure to
Concrete roofing is suitable as the base for an urban roof garden.
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12
AUGUST 2018
CLADDING // CONCRETE // INSULATION // STEEL // THATCH // TIMBER // TRANSLUCENT // WATERPROOFING // COMPONENTS
At the same time, thermal insulation is also
improved significantly inside the building,”
he adds.
Perrie notes that the latest innovations
in waterproofing systems and products,
coupled with increased public awareness of
their environmental benefits, have resulted
in roof gardens gaining in popularity and
evolving into a variety of permutations. The
functional practicality of water-wise
gardens – even food gardens – on concrete
roofs provide additional socio-economic
benefits in the affordable housing market,
he highlights.
Perrie adds that for housing in both
urban and rural locations, there is rapid
growth in the specification and application
of concrete roof tiles. “There is a timeless
aesthetic appeal in concrete roof tiles, and
the installation process is relatively simple.
It requires no additional finish, is labour-
intensive and has low maintenance
requirements. The roof pitch enhances
interior thermal comfort by encouraging
anaging director of The
Concrete Institute (TCI) Bryan
Perrie says the development of
high-tech computer modelling systems,
coupled with advances in concrete
technology and waterproofing, have
elevated roof design and construction far
beyond previous limitations.
“In cities, if designed accordingly at the
inception phase, flat concrete roofs can
allow for additional storeys to be added to
structures as the need arises, or as funds
become available. This increased
densification can optimise the use of well-
located urban land and existing services,”
explains Perrie.
“There is also increased pressure to
provide ‘green spaces’ in central business
districts (CBDs) where space is at a
premium. In this regard, a flat concrete roof
presents an innovative opportunity to
offset the carbon footprint of a building by
re-introducing potentially lost green space
at roof level in the form of a roof garden.
provide ‘green spaces’
in central business
districts (CBDs) where
space is at a premium.”
TCI managing director Bryan Perrie.