Built-in roof: why use it in its construction?

Antonio Neves
Written by
Antonio Neves
Published on
9/3/2024
Updated on
30/3/2024
Built-in roof: why use it in its construction?

Built-in roof: why use it in its construction?

You may have noticed that the embedded roof has become a trend in buildings and is the preferred one in architectural projects, isn't it? Because it is increasingly used, we prepared this article with everything you need to know about embedded roofs, after all, it is the predominant option in today's buildings and, therefore, you need to be updated on the trends that permeate civil construction.

Complementing the architectural designs of modern buildings, embedded roofs are those that when we look at the work, we don't see any roof, making it appear that it doesn't exist.

However, it's there, it's just not visible. It is an interesting option for modern projects that value straight lines and a cleaner look, typical of contemporary buildings. For this reason, they are increasingly present.

Considering that you need to align yourself with new trends in the construction market, such as embedded roofs, we made this article so that you can finally understand everything about this topic.

Here, you will find information about: what are embedded roofs, what are the differences between them and apparent roofs, what are the types of tiles, advantages and disadvantages, embedded roof structures and, finally, care and maintenance. So keep reading this article to get access to all of this important information!

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What is a recessed roof?

First, let's talk about what embedded roofs are and then move on to more specific topics.

Embedded roofs, also known as a casket roof or non-apparent roof, are a type of construction roof that is not visible through the façade, as it is located behind small walls on top of the building that covers it.

These small walls are called platbands, which can be made of brickwork or precast concrete.

They can also consist of various types of tiles, further opening up the range of options for the use of embedded roofs. But, we will understand more about this later, rest assured.

Widely used in modern building projects, embedded roofs are preferred because of their aesthetics with straight, direct and symmetrical lines, giving a clean look to the entire work. Thus, they became an innovative roof shape.

Built-in roof x Apparent roof

The most common roof model, without a doubt, is the apparent roof, that is, with the tiles showing when we look at the construction. In addition to being the most used, it is also the oldest and most traditional, so it offers several advantages that have already been consolidated in the construction market.

Therefore, we cannot fail to address in this article what are the main differences between recessed and apparent roofs.

The apparent roofs, which are very traditional, have once again gained space in buildings. Both because of the aesthetics and its advantageous characteristics, we see that the replacement with embedded ones is decreasing, once again giving space to the apparent ones.

Among some advantages that apparent roofs offer compared to embedded roofs, we have: greater resistance of the tiles, lower maintenance costs, greater thermal and acoustic comfort. On the other hand, this type of roof also has the following disadvantages: longer execution time, more expensive total execution cost, requires greater wood and the use of gutters on the edges is mandatory.

As for the characteristics of embedded roofs, you can find out in the next topics. Therefore, keep reading to be able to compare the two types of roofs and define which of them will be most suitable for your work.

What are the types of tile for embedded roofs?

Like apparent roofs, it is possible to build embedded roofs with different types of tiles. That's what we're going to talk about in this topic.

It is interesting to remember that the aesthetics of the tiles does not matter when it comes to embedded roofs, since they will be hidden and will not be visible through the facades. Therefore, the most recommended are those with low weight and easy installation, the following types being common:

  • Fiber cement: they are practical because of their length and width, covering a larger area without the need for many tiles. They save time and money, but it is a more fragile material.
  • Metallic: steel tiles, also known as sandwich tiles, with properties similar to those of fiber cement. Resistant and low cost.
  • Polypropylene: translucent tiles that provide natural lighting for environments.

It is still possible to use ceramic tiles on embedded roofs. They are the best when it comes to thermal acoustic comfort.

Now, all you have to do is evaluate which of them is the one that best fits your architectural project. Remember to budget at multiple locations for fair prices.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a built-in roof?

Now it's time to understand what are the advantages and disadvantages of using embedded roofs in your work.

Among the advantages, we can mention:

  • Modern and clean aesthetics: ideal for architectural projects that value these elements.
  • Economy: provides a reduction of structural elements because it requires less wood.
  • Ease of execution and shorter installation time.
  • Lower cost when compared to conventional roofs.
  • Easy to embed gutters, leaving them not apparent.

As for the drawbacks, we have:

  • Lower roof, which can make maintenance difficult.
  • The cost may be higher because of the gutters and platbands.
  • Tiles with lower thermal comfort.
  • In the case of residences, architecture can be confused with commercial development. It's important to hire good architects.

Considering the advantages and disadvantages, you can compare the embedded roofs with the apparent ones to understand which one is the most ideal for your project. Once you analyze, count on professional help so you don't make a mistake in your choice.

What are the structures of embedded roofs?

Built-in roofs require structures which are very similar to those of the apparent roofs, which can be made of wood or metal and are composed of scissors, tubs and troughs.

Scissors: triangular structures that serve as supports to distribute the total weight of the roof to the slabs.

Tuesdays: wooden or metal beams that connect the scissors. They serve to distribute the weights of the tiles to the scissors.

Gutters: they are part of the structure and are responsible for draining water from the roof to the ground.

Although they have the same structures as the apparent roofs, they are made in a simplified way in the case of embedded roofs.

Care and maintenance of embedded roofs:

Because they are hidden, care and maintenance of the built-in roofs may be a little more difficult. However, it is extremely necessary to carry out roof surveys with some frequency to detect possible problems that are still possible to solve. If you leave it to try to fix them only when they get complicated, the repair will be much more difficult and costly.

Another important point is to waterproof the embedded roofs to prevent the occurrence of infiltration. If there is a slab under the tiles, you need to waterproof it with Blok ST, a waterproofing resin that protects the entire surface against the action of water. If there is no slab, it is essential to water the tiles with BlokSeal CC, a perfect water-repellent product to repel water and prevent the onset of pathological manifestations.

Conclusion

Today, you learned everything about embedded roofs and how they can be a very interesting option for your work. In addition to providing a modern and clean aesthetic, which is a trend in building architecture, embedded roofs also offer other benefits that are advantageous for any project

Therefore, assess whether it is the ideal roof for what you want. And if you choose it, talk to the team at Blok to learn more about Blok ST and BlokSeal CC and how they can be solutions to guarantee more quality and safety for your buildings.

I hope this article helped you understand more about embedded roofs. Until next time.

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