Roofing options

[aramis720]

Can anyone tell me what roofing options are best for Puna area? I don't much like the default metal roofing so want to know what other options work in the very wet environment. Do clay tiles work ok?

[unknownjulie]

I just put a roof on my house and I used new metal, and that was what was on there previously, but I was looking at the framing while the roof was off, and it is pretty minimal. There is no way you could use clay tiles or shingles or anything other than new metal on a lot of the houses. Too heavy.

[aramis720]

Thanks Julie. This will actually be new construction so we can build as strong as we need to. I'm concerned about wetness and durability, mold, etc.

[Rob Tucker]

I make my living with this stuff and would encourage you to consider a structural insulated metal roof. The roof panels don't require rafters and have a prefinished underside which is fine for a finished white ceiling. They will span 12' so roof framing is minimal. Best for designs with vaulted ceilings. Insulated to r-20 so they keep the house cool and are much quieter than simple metal in the rain.

Up to you. You can see it at www.castleblock.com

Mahalo

[unknownjulie]

That sounds like a fabulous roof Rob!

[aramis720]

Thanks Rob. Do clay tile roofs work on the Hilo side? No issues with rain or moisture over time?

[Rob Tucker]

I can't say if they do or don't. I haven't seem them in use. Clay tile has been banned in some hurricane prone areas, not sure about Hawaii, because of their propensity to become projectiles in high winds. I don't like the idea of 100 mph clay tile bullets flying around.

[Carey]

There are a very few tile roofs in this area, there are also a few high end metal roofs that are stamped with a tile look...

One of the BIGGEST factors is where are you building & what type of water system are you going to utilize?

If it is a well system (public or private, the roof material doesn't matter....

If you are in an area that is catchment, then your roof material really matters, as many (even some clay tile roofs) can leach detrimental materials into the water, some making the potential of potable water not possible, but some can also leach some materials that can cause staining, corrosion & pump damage...

[rainyjim]

If you wanted to use burlap/cement for a roof and stretched burlap over a frame and applied/sprayed a thin layer of cement over the burlap to harden and waterproof the burlap would it be okay to drink water from that type of roof?

[terracore]

If I understand your question correctly (?) is it ok to drink water that ran off a concrete coated roof. I would think so. A lot of municipal water tanks are made out of concrete, as are hundreds of miles of concrete conduits that feed the tanks. Water spends very little time in contact with a concrete roof. The storage tank material is much more important than the surface used to catch the water. In Alaska most catchment tanks are under ground (where the water doesn't freeze), made of concrete, and integrated into the concrete foundation, and I've never heard of anybody getting sick drinking from them.