The aftermath of harsh storms has consistently revealed the vulnerability of roofs and windows in most areas of the country, leaving properties exposed to rain damage and debris. In light of these events, it becomes crucial to understand the importance of securing your roof during storms, particularly hailstorms. We spoke with Gcinumuzi Ngcobo, a Sales Clerk at Build it Plus in Mbabane, who shared valuable insights on roof protection measures and recommended roofing materials to safeguard your home.
Why it’s important to secure your roof during storms:
Storms, especially hailstorms, can cause significant damage to roofs and windows, leaving your home exposed to rainwater and debris. A compromised roof can lead to extensive water damage, structural issues and costly repairs. By taking proactive measures to secure your roof, you can minimise the risk of damage, enhance your home’s resilience and protect the well-being of your family.
Choosing quality roofing materials: Ngcobo emphasised the importance of investing in quality roofing materials to withstand the impact of hailstorms. He recommended opting for Harvey tiles, made of durable iron, which can withstand hail without significant damage. In contrast, concrete roof tiles, such as Roman tiles, made of clay, are more susceptible to hail damage. By selecting high-quality materials, you can ensure your roof’s longevity and minimise the risk of extensive damage during storms.
Selecting the right sheet iron:
When it comes to sheet iron, Ngcobo advised considering IBR and ccorrugated iron sheets with a thickness of 0.5. These thicker options provide superior quality and durability, ensuring your roof’s resilience in harsh weather conditions. While the 0.3 sheet iron may be more affordable, it is better suited for temporary structures rather than permanent roofing. By investing in the appropriate sheet iron, you can safeguard your home against storm damage.
Additional measures for roof protection:
In addition to selecting quality materials, here are recommended two protective measures:
1. Planting trees: Strategically planting trees around your property can act as a natural windbreaker, reducing the impact of harsh winds before they reach your home. This simple yet effective measure can provide an added layer of defence against storm damage.
2. Proper roofing structure: When roofing your home, it is crucial to use sturdy timber and ensure minimal spacing between them. Leaving at least a 1-metre gap between timber supports allows them to support each other during storms, enhancing the overall stability of your roof.
Roofing styles you can explore:
Butterfly roof style: Mostly preferred type nowadays for their parapet walls (primarily used as guard rails, to conceal rooftop equipment, reduce wind loads on the roof) and they are the second most affordable type of roof from the common flat roof style, but usually depending on the size of the house or building, they are also ideal for water harvesting purposes since they provide a wider space for rain-running water.
Roofing costs of three-bedroom house with this style: E103 761.40 (price inclusive of VAT)
Simple flat ancient roof style: Widely preferred for smaller houses nowadays i.e. kitchens, shed, general one room flats and so on, they are the most cheapest type of roof you can opt, especially for home establishment purposes. This type of roofing is usually exposed to the wind, but still preferred because of its efficiency.
Roofing cost of flat roofing for a 1-bedroom - E22 989.46 (price inclusive of VAT)
Gable roof plan style of roofing: Mostly common in up market communities even though we have now seen a lot of them mushrooming in rural areas. This type of roofing is usually outlined as the most expensive type of roofing and is used for both Harvey tiles and Roman tiles (clay tiles), IBR also looks ideal with this style.
Roofing costs of a two-bedroom house with gable style roof with Harvey tiles: E114 498.97 (price inclusive of VAT)
As you embark on your dream home
adventure, Build it Plus has a variety of roofing materials in all thicknesses mentioned. They also have Marley Roman tiles in all varieties for you to choose from.
They also assist in roofing calculations and costing when you provide roofing drawings. Ngcobo and other trained staff can assist in calculating your roof plan. For more information, you can contact 2404 9146 or send a text to Build it Plus’ WhatsApp line at 7984 4460 and receive quotation assistance.
By selecting high-quality materials, you can ensure your roof’s longevity and minimise the risk of extensive damage during storms.
