SELECTING ROOFING MATERIAL FOR YOUR HOUSE IN KENYA

SELECTING ROOFING MATERIAL FOR YOUR HOUSE IN KENYA

There are various factors that determine which kind of roof to use for your house.

CLIMATE

In hot desert-like climates where rainfall is low, flat roofs are very common. Areas such as North-Africa have alot of these roofs.
A flat roof is not eactlyโ€™flatโ€™. It usually slopes at an angle of 5 to 10 degrees.
This angle can not be noticed easily and helps to drain water during cleaning or after rainy weather.
In traditional African societies, communities living in Arid areas of Kenya such as Maasai, Samburu had their shelters made of flat roofs. This is because rain is not common in thses areas.

From africa

In rainy climates, the roof becomes steep. In snowy regions such as Northern Europe, the roof is very steep[over 45 degrees] so as to drain away snow.

From africa

In traditional African societies which live in rainy regions such as Kisii,Mount Kenya and Coast, the thatch roof is very steep[over 60 degrees] so as to increase the surface runnoff of rain water.

COST

Roofing materials vary depending on the budget.
In Kenya, thatch roof is the cheapest at KES 180 per square meter.

It is followed by Iron sheets. The thinnest grade in the market at the moment is Gauge 32 which costs about KES 210 per square meter.
Gauge 30 costs about KES 240 per square meter and Gauge 28 pre-painted costs approximately kes 500 per square meter.
Concrete roofng tiles cost around KES 400 per square meter.

From africa

Clay roofing tiles cost around KES 630 per square meter at Mombasa. These have the advantage of being light-weight and since they are made of natural clay with no added paint, their rain-watter runnoff can be consumed without any health issues as compared to the others wheich have paint .

From africa

Paint contains Lead which is harmful to the human body.
Stone coated steel roofing tiles such as Harvey, Decra are in the range of the most expensive and cost approximately KES 1500 per square meter.These are usually gauge 26 in thickness and hence give a lifetime guarantee.

From africa

Their light weight also gives savings to the timber supporting trusses which will be less than when supporting heavier concrete tiles.

THEME DESIGN AND SHAPE OF THE ROOF
Curved and cylindrical roofs require special types of materials such as copper and bituminous felts. These felts can take the shape of the roof easily.
Copper felt is expensive. This is usually copper in colour when new and turns greenish as it ages.

From africa

Hipped roofs are best laid using tiles since with tiles, there will be less cutting and hence less wastage.
Some steel roofing suppliers in Kenya can supply curved roofs.

Gable roofs can be done using any type of roofing products.
Some buildings such as Highlands restaurant at Afya Centre, Nairobi have glass roofs. These give nice views but are expensive to put up. A square meter of 10mm structural glass costs approximately kes 2,800.

The steepness of the roof can also be used to control cost. The more steep the roof, the more the surface area and hence the more the cost. Some roofing tiles such as Mangalore design require steep roofs to make sure that the rain water surface runnoff is fast and hence no leakages.
Recreational facilities such as tourist lodges which require rustic natural finishes will opt for the thatch roofs which can be patterned to various designs. Also, hardwood plank roofs are also common for these kind of recreational buildings. An example is the KWS Headquarters along Langata Road.

From Tourist Hotel

Use of a4architect.com Diamond House methodology effectively reduces the costs by 58%.
https://www.a4architect.com/the-diamond-house-plan-costs-breakdown/

Frank Gichuhi
Architect.
www.a4architect.com

Tel. 0721410684


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68 responses to “SELECTING ROOFING MATERIAL FOR YOUR HOUSE IN KENYA”

  1. Victor Avatar
    Victor

    I like the decra roofing but the price is too high, is ther any rooff giving that look but not as costly?

    1. lean huang Avatar
      lean huang

      Dear Victor,

      This is Lean from China, as top 1 roofing system manufacturing, our roofing tile has great quality with never fade surface and at least 50years guaranteed by documents promised.

      Best Regards
      Lean

    2. Roselee shanghaimetalsandmaterials Avatar

      Hi, Victor,my name is Rose,from Shanghai Metals and Materials Co.,Limited mainly produce stone coated metal roof tile,quality assured and competitive price, if any interested , contact us.
      Regards,
      Rose

  2. sam ogando Avatar
    sam ogando

    currently building a house in western kenya where can i get this decra tiles

    1. Geoffrey sagwe Avatar
      Geoffrey sagwe

      For me I couldn’t do Decra in Western part of Kenya with the heavy rainfall the coat will wear out so fast. Will go for heavy mabati gauge clay tiles

  3. Janet Avatar
    Janet

    Hey,
    victor and sam, i work for a company that sells roof tiles that are affordable same category as decra but more affordable. you can contact me,

    1. geoffrey Avatar
      geoffrey

      hi janet? May you tell which shop i can buy those tiles in mombasa. May you also give me your contacts please. I live in mombasa likoni area and would like to renovate our family house. Thank you

    2. Ronald Odhiambo Avatar

      where are you janet, i seriously need affordable tilles
      my number is 0712993227

      1. Roselee shanghaimetalsandmaterials Avatar

        Hi Ronald,
        Nice to meet you.My name is Rose from Shanghai metals and materials Co.,limited mainly produce stone coated roof tiles. High quality and competitive price, if interested, contact us.
        Regards,
        Roselee

    3. Stanley Avatar
      Stanley

      Your contact

    4. john Avatar
      john

      Am interested in the same for how much?

      1. patricia nduta Avatar
        patricia nduta

        Hej Janet,
        Am interested in those roofing tiles. Pls let me know where l can buy them in mombasa or in Ukunda.

    5. kin Avatar
      kin

      Where can I get and your contact

    6. Will Avatar

      we are a manufacturer of color coated steel coil and metal roofing sheet ,if you have interest,pls contact m,e !

    7. ALEX Avatar
      ALEX

      Janet,
      Am looking for medium cost roofing material.

    8. tom nyabuti Avatar
      tom nyabuti

      I am tom. I am building. I need roofing material. Building in NBI. I am keen on tiles.

    9. Omari Avatar
      Omari

      I also need such sheets in two months

    10. Jonah Avatar
      Jonah

      Contact me. I need tiles

    11. Christopher Wesonga Juma Avatar

      Janet i need 600 pcs of stone coated roofing tiles.

  4. joaquim Avatar
    joaquim

    @Janet:
    Kindly give us a rate, brand and contact

  5. Jimmy Avatar
    Jimmy

    @ Janet ,please give your contact details. i need roofing material of that nature you have described.

  6. Anthony Avatar
    Anthony

    Dear Janet,

    I am building in Kibwezi and would also like to use the decra roof for my home.

    Kindly provide me with your contacts so that I can compare prices.

    Alternatively, if Jimmy, Joaquim and Victor have Janet`s contacts, I will happy to get them from you guys too.

    Regards,

    Anthony K.

  7. francis Avatar
    francis

    Hey janet,

    Pliz give your contacts,i have the trusses already decra tiles went up looking for alternative

  8. Chris Wasike Avatar
    Chris Wasike

    Good day, I’m building a house in Kimilili municipality in Bungoma county. Initially the structure was designed to take portuguese clay roofing tiles (heavy in weight and high on timber) but now I’m scouting for better and cheaper alternatives that will also allow me to harvest rain water for drinking and other purposes.

    Kindly advise,

    Chris

    1. Mr. PHARESE RATEGO Phares Rat E Avatar
      Mr. PHARESE RATEGO Phares Rat E

      Please Janet, get me your contact and quotations asap. I am about to make a decision on the roofing materials for my house. Treat this as very urgent please.
      Pharesh from Rusinga Island, Mbita.

  9. james otuke Avatar
    james otuke

    i am resident of mombasa. am really interested in having tiles. may i know where you are found in mombasa?thank u

  10. china metal roofing Avatar
    china metal roofing

    china stone coated metal roofing factory is looking for distributors worldwide.

    amarican standard,economic price!

    1. Alaiz Avatar
      Alaiz

      Please contact me

  11. jonah Avatar
    jonah

    hi
    can you pliz mention to us the prices of the roofing tiles

  12. Frank Wanjofu Avatar
    Frank Wanjofu

    you are doing a good,keep up the fire burning

  13. jim Avatar
    jim

    @janet gimme your contacts pliz

  14. Roselyn Achieng Avatar
    Roselyn Achieng

    We have very affordable stone-coated steel roofing tiles with excellent features.

  15. ali Avatar
    ali

    I need janet’s contact. Roofing has become very expensive

    1. frank Avatar
      frank

      Hi Abida. Janet’s contacts are here
      0720 902780. Her pricing is not cheap either.
      Its easier to do away with the expensive roofing all together and adopt the a4architect.com Diamond House Technology. See details here
      https://www.a4architect.com/2011/08/29/diamond-house-by-www-a4architect-com/
      We can design the house for you using the a4architect Diamond House concepts.

  16. Victoria Avatar
    Victoria

    I need decra tiles-green colour kindly connect me to possible suppliers.

  17. millicent Avatar
    millicent

    Building a four bed roomed house how much would it cost me to roof with decra tiles

    1. frank Avatar

      Hi Milicent. Each house has a different roof surface area. Unless i know your roof surface area, i cant be able to assist you with the exact cost. On average, decra costs around KES 2300 to fix[materials plus labour]. Assuming your roof surface area is 200m2, this will be 460k. Assuming your roof surface area is 100m2, this will be 230k.

  18. Wilson Mbogo Avatar

    Hi interested parties,i work for Jumbochem (K) Ltd a company that manufactures roof and floor underlay materials using polyethelene foam that has thermal,sound and cooling effects.
    It is locally available here in Nairobi.
    Kindly contact me on info@a4architect.com or the above e-mail adress

    Thanks

  19. Wilson Mbogo Avatar

    Hi interested parties,i work for Jumbochem (K) Ltd a company that manufactures roof and floor underlay materials using polyethylene foam that has thermal,sound and cooling effects.
    It is locally available here in Nairobi.
    Kindly contact me on info@a4architect.com or the above e-mail address

    Thanks

    1. frank Avatar

      I will. How much is the cost per m2?

  20. Wilson Mbogo Avatar

    Good stuff, am sure we can team up to offer Kenyans roof solutions.
    Keep it up

  21. thomas kamuyu Avatar
    thomas kamuyu

    hi all
    i can assist in procerement of roof products at reasonable price based in nairobi

  22. Irene Avatar

    Please contact us for quality stone coated tiles, using italian ceramic chip, and composed of Zinc, aluminium and steel. Our email is info@a4architect.com. We are committed to providing quality roofing materials and at reasonable prices.

  23. Peter Avatar

    very detailed research into the market.
    many above need stone coated, the most expensive staff, of course it looks nice. However, all of you should consider insulation roofing, as it has so many advantage compare to all metal roofing. This product can last 25years above, and can get you 5-10degrees lower in house temp. have a look at my blog
    ……………….

    And the most important much cheaper than stone coated.

  24. purity Avatar

    i’m purity and we do produce stone coated roofing tiles at affordable price so if you need them or you want to confirm anything contact me.

  25. frankoj Avatar

    Anyone in Nrb with ideas on where to get the cheapest versatile roofing sheets, give me some 411 …… 0733-xxx380 asap

  26. Bob Avatar
    Bob

    Looking for the best material for the following building materials
    1. sealing my roof.I don’t want or like hard board because they leak and makes the board look really bad
    2.sliding windows

    1. leonard evayo Avatar
      leonard evayo

      Building supplies is the authorized importer and distributor
      of Roofing Sheets and tiles in Kenya.
      Eco has partnered with Onduline group from France to provide
      competitive and economic solutions for the most complex roofing problems
      and to offer cost effective roof building solutions.
      This innovative product has gone a long way in reducing associated costs
      such as transport costs, handling and erection costs and future roof
      maintenance costs.
      Due to its flexibility and toughness, Onduline Sheets and Onduvilla tiles
      can either be installed on timber, steel, concrete or as wall cladding.
      We offer free technical support on the roof truss design to suit any type
      of building.
      Exclusive advantages for your roof
       100% WATERPROOF- 15 years warranty
       SAFE & ECOLOGICAL- Contains no hazardous chemical Eg. Asbestos
       COST EFFECTIVE- Easy to transport and install
       INSULATION- High insulation and sound absorbency values
       DURABLE- Corrosion lifetime warranty
       STRONG- Withstands high wind speeds and loads
       VERSATILE – Easy to cut, shape and fix
       FLEXIBLE- Does not break or bend during transportation or fixing
       LIGHTWEIGHT- Only 4 kg/m2

  27. Winnie Avatar

    Decra Roofing tiles are only available in Kenya ….

    1. frank Avatar

      Hi Winnie,
      I hope you are fine. You can put up a paid roofing tile advert on http://www.a4architect.com. If interested, call me on 0721410684 for rates.

  28. agwamboful Avatar
    agwamboful

    i am building a house in rongai. And am looking for Decra roofing sheets. Anyone with information can help me cause am putting up the roof in the next one week. Give the location, size of each sheet and the price.

  29. Sam Wachira Avatar
    Sam Wachira

    If there is anyone around the Mount kenya region who is interested in quality, less costly stone-coated roofing tiles, my company Esteemed Homes Ltd. has been commissioned by Tactile Roofing to be their authorized distributors within the Laikipia region. I will give you discounts and at the same time youu are assured of quality during installation as I do the supervision as a builder.

    1. Maina peter Avatar
      Maina peter

      Your contacts please am nyeri based and need the tactiles asap.

  30. nkarisah Avatar
    nkarisah

    Currently ,the in thing in owning a home is ISSB,I know is the past blogs you have discussed this mode of construction but I believe not in depth.So my request to you is please can you give me more in sight into interlocking bricks for I wish to go this way in constructing my dream home in Kilifi.Also in ISSB how many floors can I go with this technology?

  31. Pharell waffubwa Avatar
    Pharell waffubwa

    Hey I wanna know about the price and the sizes of Decra Ruffing Sheets, am in Bungoma building and will be ruffing in a months time. Any one with good information around Chwele.

  32. PETER MASAI Avatar
    PETER MASAI

    what is the cheapest cost can you get on one tile of conceret decra and from which company????????

  33. WILSON JUMA Avatar
    WILSON JUMA

    Am currently doing a residential house in western and wanted to confirm where to find versatile 3m roofing iron sheets urgently and at what price per piece please. Regards

  34. DANIELM WANGI Avatar
    DANIELM WANGI

    hi am building i want to use decra sheet.

  35. richard otieno Avatar
    richard otieno

    i m in the upper lower income bracket earning a net of 70,000 sh. my desire is to own a modest 2 b/rm hse. hw can u assist me achieve tht dream? thank you Sir.

  36. Brian Avatar
    Brian

    Can someone give me a current price guide of approximately what it costs per sq metre to replace an existing Makuti roof on the coast. All input appreciated

    1. eri Avatar
      eri

      Mr Brian, i am Eng Eric. Makuti roofing will cost ksh190 per sq meter. I have been doing several bq for modern hotel in the coast region.for more information call me

  37. Esther Avatar
    Esther

    Am selling low cost Decra roofing tiles.

    1. ishmael Avatar
      ishmael

      PLEASE get in touch ishnyaribo@gmail.com soonest so we do business

  38. Joanna Lin Avatar

    HI Francis :
    This is Joanna who has contact you 2014 once .
    How is your roofing business going ?
    we would like to do roofing business together with you .

    pls check our website below

  39. Bart Avatar
    Bart

    We would like to replace our existing makuti roof. We are situated in Watmu! Can anyone help us with an approximation of the costs and/or interesting contacts?
    Thanks Bart

  40. IVY MUGO Avatar
    IVY MUGO

    Hallo

    I would like to know the differences between Metal roofing and Mabati roofing.
    Thankyou.

  41. John Tilji Menjo Avatar

    Please let me know if there is makuti look alike in the Kenyan market and the cost per square metre, and the suppliers. Thank you.

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