Emerging Roofing trends in Kenya
In Summary
The roofing of built structures in Kenya has undergone substantial changes over the last ten years, with a growing preference for durable and weather-resistant roofing materials such as iron sheets, and concrete tiles.
Other types of roof finishes on the rise include Stone-Coated Metal, synthetic and rubber roofs, shingles as well as aluminum roofs.
WHAT WHY THE CHANGE?
The rise in popularity of these new roof materials / finishes has been driven by;
Weather resistance -
the new materials such as reinforced concrete slabs are better at preventing roof leakages if well waterproofed.
Durability and longevity –
The new materials such as stone coated roof, and pre-coated iron sheets, are more durable, they don’t rust easily, resistant to corrosion, and any other weather related wear.
The cost of maintenance is therefore substantially lower as compared to traditional roofs.
Aesthetics –
Modern roofing materials such as stone-coated metal sheets and clay tiles are more appealing and come in a variety of styles, shapes and colors that can be adjusted by the designer to make a building more attractive.
Eco friendliness-
Creative roof styles such as solar tiles are useful in supplying a building with clean, cheap, and reliable power. This lowers electricity power bills as well as making the building more self-reliant.
Rising costs of traditional materials
Increased demand, market fluctuations, and raw material costs have made traditional materials like corrugated iron sheets less economical compared to long-lasting alternatives
Space and Utility
Urban residents are shifting to concrete slab roofs that provide flat rooftop spaces for additional uses like gardens, solar installations, or recreation.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE
The following are some of the top emerging roofing trends in Kenya;
Flat Roofs
Most of the flat roofs are made of RC concrete slab finished with tiles.
The main reasons why they are so popular nowadays is because they are very cost effective. You see, when you do a pitched roof, you will have also to do the internal ceiling finish which can be quite expensive. For internal ceiling finishes of a flat roof, you can simply do a ceiling paintjob which is quite cheap.
Additionally, as the land have become quite scarce, you will have another extra space at the rooftop where you can use for your own personal activities such as laundry or as an outdoor family area with good views.
The flat roof top can also be used for modern kitchen farming, solar panels can be mounted for clean energy, or you can also put up a tank for water storage to be used in future in the house.
Pre-coated Iron Sheets
These sheets, available in glossy or matte finishes, are favored for their rust resistance, variety of colors, and ability to complement different architectural designs.
They are valued for their durability, aesthetic variety, and resistance to weather elements.
They undergo a coating process that applies protective layers of paint, zinc, or aluminum to enhance their performance and appearance.
They are widely used in both residential and commercial projects.
Hidden Roofs
A hidden roof is a design where the roof structure is concealed within the overall architecture of a building, creating a clean, modern aesthetic. This style, often called "concealed" or "flat" roofing, is popular in contemporary designs and urban areas, especially in Kenya.
They offer a sleek, minimalist look, ideal for modern architecture. The rooftops can be used for recreation, installations, or additional structures. Another key benefit is that hidden roofs are made of durable materials making them resistant to wind and other extreme conditions.
OTHER EMERGING ROOFING TRENDS
These sheets feature a base of steel coated with stone granules, offering durability, rust resistance, and aesthetic appeal. They are increasingly popular in urban residential areas despite their higher cost
Solar Roof Tiles Roofing
Combining renewable energy production with roofing, solar tiles are gaining traction as a sustainable option. While they have a higher initial cost, they can lower energy bills and enhance property value in the long run.
Synthetic and Rubber Roofing
Synthetic materials, such as PVC or rubber roofing, are being used for waterproofing and flexibility. These are particularly effective in areas with high water exposure or for flat-roof designs
Aluminum Roofing
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum sheets are an eco-friendly option that suits modern designs. They require minimal maintenance and are ideal for humid climates
Clay and Concrete Tiles Roofs
Clay tiles remain a timeless choice for their elegance and insulation properties. However, they require robust structural support due to their weight
For homeowners and builders, these options provide a mix of traditional charm and modern technology, tailored to Kenya's diverse climate and architectural styles.
In Summary
- In the recent past, creativity, sustainability, and practicality has necessitated growing change in the type of roofs being used in Kenya.
- People are increasingly shifting from the outdated traditional pitched roofs to new dynamic and stylish roofs made of various materials such as stone coating, pre-coated iron sheets, etc.
The roofing of built structures in Kenya has undergone substantial changes over the last ten years, with a growing preference for durable and weather-resistant roofing materials such as iron sheets, and concrete tiles.
Other types of roof finishes on the rise include Stone-Coated Metal, synthetic and rubber roofs, shingles as well as aluminum roofs.
WHAT WHY THE CHANGE?
The rise in popularity of these new roof materials / finishes has been driven by;
Weather resistance -
the new materials such as reinforced concrete slabs are better at preventing roof leakages if well waterproofed.
Durability and longevity –
The new materials such as stone coated roof, and pre-coated iron sheets, are more durable, they don’t rust easily, resistant to corrosion, and any other weather related wear.
The cost of maintenance is therefore substantially lower as compared to traditional roofs.
Aesthetics –
Modern roofing materials such as stone-coated metal sheets and clay tiles are more appealing and come in a variety of styles, shapes and colors that can be adjusted by the designer to make a building more attractive.
Eco friendliness-
Creative roof styles such as solar tiles are useful in supplying a building with clean, cheap, and reliable power. This lowers electricity power bills as well as making the building more self-reliant.
Rising costs of traditional materials
Increased demand, market fluctuations, and raw material costs have made traditional materials like corrugated iron sheets less economical compared to long-lasting alternatives
Space and Utility
Urban residents are shifting to concrete slab roofs that provide flat rooftop spaces for additional uses like gardens, solar installations, or recreation.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE
The following are some of the top emerging roofing trends in Kenya;
Flat Roofs
Most of the flat roofs are made of RC concrete slab finished with tiles.
The main reasons why they are so popular nowadays is because they are very cost effective. You see, when you do a pitched roof, you will have also to do the internal ceiling finish which can be quite expensive. For internal ceiling finishes of a flat roof, you can simply do a ceiling paintjob which is quite cheap.
Additionally, as the land have become quite scarce, you will have another extra space at the rooftop where you can use for your own personal activities such as laundry or as an outdoor family area with good views.
The flat roof top can also be used for modern kitchen farming, solar panels can be mounted for clean energy, or you can also put up a tank for water storage to be used in future in the house.
Pre-coated Iron Sheets
These sheets, available in glossy or matte finishes, are favored for their rust resistance, variety of colors, and ability to complement different architectural designs.
They are valued for their durability, aesthetic variety, and resistance to weather elements.
They undergo a coating process that applies protective layers of paint, zinc, or aluminum to enhance their performance and appearance.
They are widely used in both residential and commercial projects.
Hidden Roofs
A hidden roof is a design where the roof structure is concealed within the overall architecture of a building, creating a clean, modern aesthetic. This style, often called "concealed" or "flat" roofing, is popular in contemporary designs and urban areas, especially in Kenya.
They offer a sleek, minimalist look, ideal for modern architecture. The rooftops can be used for recreation, installations, or additional structures. Another key benefit is that hidden roofs are made of durable materials making them resistant to wind and other extreme conditions.
OTHER EMERGING ROOFING TRENDS
These sheets feature a base of steel coated with stone granules, offering durability, rust resistance, and aesthetic appeal. They are increasingly popular in urban residential areas despite their higher cost
Solar Roof Tiles Roofing
Combining renewable energy production with roofing, solar tiles are gaining traction as a sustainable option. While they have a higher initial cost, they can lower energy bills and enhance property value in the long run.
Synthetic and Rubber Roofing
Synthetic materials, such as PVC or rubber roofing, are being used for waterproofing and flexibility. These are particularly effective in areas with high water exposure or for flat-roof designs
Aluminum Roofing
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum sheets are an eco-friendly option that suits modern designs. They require minimal maintenance and are ideal for humid climates
Clay and Concrete Tiles Roofs
Clay tiles remain a timeless choice for their elegance and insulation properties. However, they require robust structural support due to their weight
For homeowners and builders, these options provide a mix of traditional charm and modern technology, tailored to Kenya's diverse climate and architectural styles.