What Roofing Materials Are Common in Indian Architecture?

Indian houses have always landed a statement, be it the green roofs in South India or asphalt roofs in metropolitans like Delhi, NCR.

Is the choice of roofing for your new house troubling you? Or doesn’t the size of your pocket match the style of the roofing your architect suggested?

Dig in, research, and carve out what suits you best.

Modern India, blended with traditional stylings, has given birth to innovation and creativity, and with multiple roofing options open to all, the country’s architectural landscape has seen a hike.

So, stay along as we unravel a few of our listed best roofing materials that will be your lifelong companion for home means ‘forever.’

What are the Trendiest Roofing Materials?

With the rise of this new year, the prospects of Indian architecture are all set to skyrocket.

Markets are full of innovative roofing materials, both premium quality and cheap.

But where there are the best options to choose from, poor quality, copy products also mask the market to play the devil in disguise.

Therefore, listing the best roofing materials is not a novice’s job.

Here is what we have considered the best so far:

1. Classic Concrete

Obvious, yet always in style! Concretes are the emperors of Indian houses.

They are preferred over cement, sand, line, etc, just because of their durability against the harsh weather of Indian plains and plateaus.

Benefits

• They build the roofs super solid.
• It goes well with flat as well as tilted roofs
• Highly durable
• Fire and waterproof
• Reduce noise disturbances
• Budget-friendly
• Smooth surface with multiple styling ideas.
• Temperature control

Drawbacks

• Exposed roofing areas might get weaker with time.
• Water leakage is a common problem.

2. Trending Asphalt Shingles

Indian architecture is Inclined towards minimalistic yet attractive roofing structures.

Asphalt shingles are our new hero due to their eye-catching, dimensional look.

They’re made with an asphalt and fiberglass combination, which makes them lightweight and sculpted.

Asphalt shingles specialize in being super affordable and minimizing heat absorption in summer.

Benefits

• Warranty up to 30 years
• Higher wind speed resistivity
• Easy to install
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

Drawbacks

• Non-recyclable
• Can be damaged by hail
• It can get cooler in winter due to minimum heat absorption

3. Majestic Metallic Roofs

For centuries, metallic roofs have been the best way to build houses.

Their durability makes them the Iron Man of dwellings.

Steel is especially appreciated as a roofing material because it is affordable and can be shaped into strips, tiles, or panels.

Other metals used in roofing are copper, aluminum, and tin. They reflect sunlight, making houses more airy.

Benefits

• Highly durable, can last up to 50 years
• Least maintenance required
• Resistance to snow, hail, or rain
• Available in multiple colors

Drawbacks

• Expensive
• It can’t be applied over a roof made from any other material
• They can only be applied on a raised platform on the actual roof
• Dents can appear with time
• Possibility of Rusting

4. Wonderful Wooden Roofing

Having a house like that of paintings with roofs made from wood is a constant dream for many.

But it’s now actually possible to have a home in India with wooden shingles. They’re easy to apply and look classic and aged.

You must check your city’s rules about having a wooden roof. Such roofing has longevity of up to 50 years.

Choose between wooden shakes and shingles as the former are hand split to give a rustic look and later are machine shaped and polished.

Benefits

• Looks organic and classy
• Weather resistant
• Easy installation
• Cooler in summer

Drawbacks

• Expensive installation
• Prone to catching fire
• Water logging can cause degradation
• Prone to termites, bees, and other insects

5. Architectural Tile Shingles

Another Indian roofing epitome is the architecture shingles as tiles. They have multidimensional designs, giving builders a vast range of choices.

With the blend of durability and cost-effectiveness, architectural shingles also present aesthetic roofs with weather-controlling abilities.

Benefits

• Beautify the roofs with a textured appearance
• Highly durable
• Last for more than 30 years

Drawbacks

• More expensive in comparison to Asphalt shingles
• Quite heavy, causing the installation to be harder

Tips Before Choosing the Right Roofing Materials

Rooms can be maintained, but roofs are an investment. You have to live with whatever you choose for quite a long time. It is always recommended to be precise and careful with what you pick for the shine of a day or two, which may fade away in the long run. Here are a few tips that may aid you well in making an apt decision:

• Opt for those materials that could go along with the weather conditions of your area.
• Go for the perfect appearance of the roof as per your taste
• Get roofing materials with a warranty and long-lasting durability.
• Ensure your house’s structural capacity aligns with the roof type you choose.
• Make up a desirable budget for your roof
• Look into the benefits and drawbacks of the roof materials you’re using.

For a fuller picture, see how this topic connects with our last discussion in our previous blog post on traditional Indian houses.

Conclusion

Ultimately, house building can be exciting in India due to a wide range of choices fitting different people and their preferences.

Each roofing material has benefits and drawbacks depending on its material, application cost, weather control, and physical appearance.

Your choice should be made after considering and evaluating all of them well.

The roofing types mentioned offer several benefits for your house. They provide a visually appealing look that combines beauty and satisfaction.

Additionally, they offer a durable and strong cover to protect you and your home from severe weather.