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Have you ever looked up at your house roofing and wondered what’s really keeping you safe from rain, heat and wind? You probably wouldn’t have. It is because we do not look into things until something goes wrong. It takes a leak, crack or a damp patch on the ceiling to catch your attention. Then you get to know about roofing slabs and their importance.
A roofing slab is a flat, horizontal surface that acts as the shield, covering the top of your building. It is usually made of concrete and helps protect your house from weather, dust, and noise. Other than safety, the concrete roof slabs also add to your home’s durability.
In this blog, we will see the types of roof in building construction and the tips to build a strong roof. Let’s get started.
Also read: Tips to stop roof leaking
Table of contents
- Types of Roofing Slabs
- 1). Conventional RCC Roofing Slab
- 2). Flat Roof Slab
- 3). Sloped Roof Slab
- 4). Grid Slab (Waffle Slab)
- 5). Hollow Core Slab
- 6). One-way Slab
- 7). Two-way Slab
- 8). Precast Slab
- 9). Post-tensioned Slab
- 10). Bubble Deck Slab
- 11). Ribbed Slab
- 12). Composite Slab
- 13). Folded Plate Slab
- 14). Pitch Roof Slab
- 15). Domed Slab
- Tips To Build A Strong Roof
- Final Takeaway
- FAQs
Types of Roofing Slabs
There are many types of concrete roofing used in construction. Each has its own benefits based on strength, design and purpose.
1). Conventional RCC Roofing Slab
- The RCC roof slab concrete is most commonly used in homes and buildings.
- The term RCC means reinforced cement concrete and it includes cement, sand, gravel, water, and steel rods for added strength.
- It provides excellent durability and can support heavy loads.
2). Flat Roof Slab
- This concrete slab for roof is completely flat and horizontal.
- It is commonly used in modern homes, offices and terraces.
- It can be used for additional purposes like setting up solar panels, rooftop gardens, or water tanks.
3). Sloped Roof Slab
- This concrete slab roof is built at an angle (slope) for that rainwater or snow to easily slide off.
- It is commonly used in areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall.
- It helps in preventing water leakage and dampness issues.
4). Grid Slab (Waffle Slab)
- This roof concrete slab has grids or waffle-like patterns underneath.
- This design uses less concrete and provides high strength.
- It is mostly used in commercial buildings, parking lots and auditoriums.
5). Hollow Core Slab
- These concrete slabs for roof have hollow spaces inside to reduce weight. But still, they are strong.
- The hollow core roofing slab is commonly used in multi-story buildings, where lightweight roofing is required.
- It also helps in soundproofing and insulation.
6). One-way Slab
- This roofing concrete is designed to distribute weight in only one direction.
- It is used in small rooms, corridors and narrow spaces.
- If you are constructing small structures, one-way slabs are simple and cost-effective.
7). Two-way Slab
- These roof types in construction distribute weight in two directions.
- It is ideal for large rooms, halls and open areas.
- Comparing to one-way slabs, two-way slabs provide better support.
Also read: Cement techniques to protect your home from dampness
8). Precast Slab
- These roofing structure types are manufactured in a factory and brought to the construction site for quick installation.
- This reduces the labour time and ensures better quality control.
- Precast slabs are used in mass housing projects and commercial buildings.
9). Post-tensioned Slab
- These roofing slabs are underlined with steel cables for increased strength.
- Since the thickness of the slab is reduced, it helps save material costs.
- Post-tensioned slabs are used in bridges, malls and stadiums.
10). Bubble Deck Slab
- As the name suggests, these roof types construction contain plastic bubbles inside the concrete.
- It is an eco-friendly roofing option, as it uses very less concrete, and at the same time, keeps the slab strong.
- Bubble deck slab is commonly used in sustainable building projects.
11). Ribbed Slab
- These types of roofs in construction contain multiple ribs underneath.
- This design helps reduce the overall weight of the roof while keeping it strong.
- Ribbed slabs are used in commercial and industrial buildings.
12). Composite Slab
- These roofing slabs are made by combining steel and concrete.
- This makes them highly durable and increases the load-bearing capacity.
- Composite slabs are used in high-rise buildings and heavy-duty structures.
13). Folded Plate Slab
- These slabs are constructed using multiple inclined concrete plates.
- This provides a unique architectural design, providing strong load resistance.
- Folded plate slabs are used in warehouses and factory roofs.
14). Pitch Roof Slab
- These are a type of steep roofs mostly found in traditional houses in areas with extreme weather conditions.
- Pitch roof slabs help prevent water and snow accumulation.
15). Domed Slab
- These slabs are dome-like shaped.
- This provides excellent weight distribution and thermal insulation.
- Domed slabs are commonly used in religious structures, like temples, churches, mosques, stadiums and auditoriums.
Also read: Storm-proof windows and how they help during extreme weather
Tips To Build A Strong Roof
The roofing of house requires careful planning. Here are some tips.
- Make sure you choose the right slab type based on your location, weather, and budget.
- Use high-quality materials like strong cement and good sand. Proper reinforcement is essential.
- After laying the roof slab, water it regularly for at least 7 to 14 days for better strengthening.
- Before laying down the concrete roof, enquire about the load-bearing capacity, as your roofing should handle the expected weight, including furniture and people.
- If your location receives heavy rainfall or snowfall, make sure you go for sloped roof slabs, as they help prevent water accumulation.
Final Takeaway
If you are building a new home or renovating your current one, roofing for home is a big investment. You have to make a wise choice so that you will have a strong and durable roofing slab that lasts for generations.
Also read: Different types of roofing sheets
While building a strong roof is important, you must not forget about the doors and windows. At GreenFortune, we offer durable uPVC doors and windows that add to your home’s safety and comfort. Our products withstand harsh weather, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency. With a solid roof above and our reliable doors and windows around you, your home will stay secure, peaceful, and comfortable all year round.
FAQs
1). Which concrete is used for the roof slab?
Reinforced Cement Concrete, also known as RCC is used for roof slabs. It is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, water, and steel bars for strength. It is strong enough to handle weather, weight, and daily use.
2. What is the minimum thickness of a roof slab?
The minimum thickness of a roofing slab is usually 4 to 5 inches (100 to 125 mm). The thickness depends on the design, load and weather conditions.
3). Which type of slab is best?
The best slab depends on the types of roof construction needs. RCC slabs are the most common types of roofing slabs for homes because they are strong and durable. Flat slabs are good for terraces, while sloped slabs are best for snowy and rainy areas. Precast slabs help save time in big projects.
