Spending time outdoors is an intrinsic part of Australian culture – even in the cooler months. However, with Melbourne’s infamously unpredictable weather, it’s important to have a covered space for enjoying the outdoors no matter what the weather.
If you’re thinking about building a verandah or transforming an existing alfresco space, having an area that is protected from harsh weather conditions is a huge bonus. Building a covered verandah is a generally cost-effective option for outdoor living spaces, and it can be achieved simply.
What are the different verandah roofing styles?
There are a few different roof options available to suit whatever your design preference and lifestyle may be, and each design offers its own unique benefits. Keep reading to discover 3 of our favourite roof styles.
Flat Roof
One of the most common and reliable selections for residential verandahs is the flat roof. This is a highly versatile, simple and cost-effective design that works well with the majority of spaces and house types.
Due to their simple structure and easy installation, a verandah that incorporates a flat roof will usually be ready sooner than any other roofing option. Using a flat roof is also a great way to make use of wasted space as even small areas can be covered.
As there is no complicated joinery to consider, a flat roof will generally have a 2° angle to allow rain to run off the structure.
Flat roofs do have higher potential to trap heat due to their lower profile and this needs to be considered when designing your outdoor area. Installing ceiling fans is an effective way to cool the area down come summer, otherwise insulated material can be used to prevent heat from building up.
If you are looking for an efficient and functional design that can be completed quickly, a flat roof verandah may be the option for you.
Gable Roof
A gable roof consists of two angled sides meeting at a high point in the middle – quite similar to a regular residential roof. This option is ideal if you’re seeking a larger outdoor area, as it has excellent capabilities for increasing the feeling of space.
This style of roof also allows for more light to enter the space and provide more room overhead and increased ventilation. A gabled roof also has the advantage of being an attractive style, that can nicely complement the architecture of your home.
Compared to flat roof verandahs, a gable roof design is more complex to install as it requires more materials, but this design does handle the hot weather better as the heat can dissipate more easily. Often the installation process can be worth it for the truly classic look a gable roof provides, its low maintenance and minimal wear and tear.
Sunroof
The sunroof-style verandah incorporates an open-close roofing system that allows you to control the light and temperature of your outdoor area through moving slats.
This roof style gives you complete control over how your outdoor space functions, allowing you to bask in the sun on those warmer days and shelter from the rain on cooler winter days.
A sunroof can be electronically opened to easily manage the sun, rain or shade, ensuring that your patio space can be comfortably used all year round.
This roofing design will ultimately increase the use of your outdoor space, creating an environment where you can entertain, or simply enjoy family time, without worrying about the weather.
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Looking for more information on what roof style will work best for your home? Get in touch with our team for an on-site consultation today.
