A roof is the uppermost part of the building - its protective layering. It protects the items and people inside the building from the harsh weather conditions such as rain, sunshine, hail, snow etc.

Roof can come in various shapes and sizes depending upon the climate, the prevalent local conditions, the building materials available, the legislative laws of that place, etc. So while some places may see roofs made of banana leaves others will have them made of concrete or aluminium. While some roofs are slanting others may be gabled or conical. But whatever the design of the roof, it must ensure that the purpose of having a roof is fulfilled. Nowadays, different materials are used for roofing:

Asphalt: It is a preferable material for sloping roofs. Roofing granules embedded into the shingles protect the asphalt from the UV rays. However they are not pleasing to the eye and are not as durable as tiles or metal.

Wood: it is an expensive material to use for roofing. Though it lends a distinct charm and elegance to the roof, it is a high maintenance material. It is susceptible to rot, insects and moulds. Wood is a breathable material. It insulates the area below the roof from excess heat while also allowing air circulation inside the building.

Tiles: they remain strong and sturdy for years. They are fire resistant, do not rot or erode. If damaged, replacement of only the damaged tiles is possible instead of replacing the whole roof. It can add colour to the roof because of its availability in many colours. But it has a drawback too. Tiles are very heavy and unnecessarily add to the weight of the roof.

Slate: it is long lasting, fire resistant and resistant to rot and insects. Slate is available in a multitude of colours and can be laid in designs.

The primary task of any roof is to protect from the weather conditions outside. If there is excessive sunlight, it should be able to insulate the interiors. For places having abundant rainfall, it should be able to drain off the water and prevent it from accumulating on the top.

Nowadays, roofs are used for not only covering but also as power generators using solar energy. Also green roofs are becoming increasingly popular. They have vegetation growing on them which not only enhances the beauty of the roof but also insulates the roof.

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