Description

Extreme weather is putting demands on designers to consider its impact on roofs. The heavy rainfalls we are facing require roofs that can stand up to the onslaught – through both design and the materials used.

Aotearoa New Zealand has recently experienced several extreme weather events that have caused extensive damage to communities. Intense rainfall, over long periods and often accompanied by high winds, affected many homes so significantly they were left uninhabitable and unrepairable.

Climate change means that these events are likely to occur more frequently. We need to consider how to create buildings that are consistently resilient.

Scope

This article covers:

• Designing for rainfall
• Roof style and complexity
  • Simple gable
  • Monopitch
  • Hip
  • Low slope
  • Roof complexity
• Roof pitch
  • Steep – 25° and greater
  • Moderate – 10–25°
  • Low – below 10°
• Roof material