Minimum Slope For Flat Roof South Africa

A roof must have some slope in order to shed rainwater.

Minimum slope for flat roof south africa.

As such roof slope requirements are very flexible with many houses having very low to very steep slopes. 7 types of roofing for south african homes. The short simple answer is 2 12 has traditionally been considered the absolute minimum acceptable roof slope suitable for asphalt shingles. A minimum gradient of 3 5 degrees is recommended depending on the roof material.

It takes the manufacturer s recommendations the unique conditions of the roof as well as the skills and the expertise of the installer to arrive at the right slope. Flat roof slope minimum according to the international building code the typical built up flat roof that uses tar or asphalt goes by the guideline that for every foot 12 inches of a flat roof a minimum of inch must step up or down. A roof with a slope of less than 15 is classified as flat note that a minimum gradient of 3 to 5 is needed. The overhang of the roof at the wall is called the eaves.

Flat roof designs in south africa are often constructed from corrugated metal fibreglass sheeting or concrete. Although flat roofed houses are very popular in south africa it is important to remember that a flat roof still requires a slight pitch for water drainage. It is by far one of the most preferred roof material choices in south africa especially in suburban. This is the basis for calculating the angle which is approximately a 1 19 degree slope.

Part l of the updated national building regulations published in 2011 also include new sections on roof coverings and waterproofing systems for pitched roofs and drainage and waterproofing of flat roofs. Asphalt shingles continue to be the most widely installed roof covering option in north america. Flat roofs are an issue all on their own. Being a durable material means that metal roofs do well to endure fire and wind damage.

So in reality flat roofs are never totally flat but rather have a slight fall the minimum of a flat roof is 1 50. It is important to do an annual inspection as south africa has a very harsh climate. Flat roofs are a popular choice in regions where the climate does not lean toward snow or heavy rainfall. It is more accurate to describe such a roof as semi flat.

In general the minimum slope for a flat roof is 1 0 but as stated earlier this is only possible in theory.