Dilemma of Sustainable Roof Forms in Warm-Humid Climatic Zones

A Survey of Parapet Roofs in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Parapet roof designs are not uncommon within the Kumasi Metropolis. This roof typology dates back to the 1970s where buildings were design with the aim of hiding the roofing materials with facades of parapet walls. There is an apparent dilemma with this roof typology and the past decade has, however, witnessed re-roofing of many such buildings. This paper is aimed at finding out the apparent dilemma of this roof form with regards to the rampant re-roofing. Survey methods, questionnaire, interview and photography were used for data collection and analysis. It was revealed that High cost of maintenance due to rain water leakages account for a total majority of reasons for re-roofed buildings, followed by subjective norm and perceived outmoded architectural style.