Why do residents in the Southwest have flat roofs on their Adobe-style homes? One explanation is because, in a dry area, flat roofs with parapets allow rainfall to be captured and collected, which may then be stored in cisterns rather than being lost by flowing down into the ground. These roofs are also easier to clean than roofs with angled sides, so they don't cause as much of a maintenance problem.
Another reason may be cultural. In Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Central America, Adobe houses have always been built with flat roofs, so that's what people build now. In areas where asphalt shingles or wood shakes are used instead, people tend to use those materials on all surfaces except for the top, which is usually left as grass or dirt.
Finally, a flat roof is easy to repair. If there's a leak under the edge of the roof, it can be fixed by just replacing the damaged shingle. On a house with an angled or hipped roof, this would not be possible. The only way to fix a leak on an angled or hipped roof is to replace the whole section of roof that is causing the problem.
In conclusion, reasons for using flat roofs include ability to collect rainwater, ease of cleaning, no major maintenance required, and low cost compared to other types of roofs.
The thick walls of the dwellings shield the residents from the desert's heat in summer and harsh cold in winter. Flat roofs are easier to build, and because there isn't much rain, water doesn't gather on the rooftops. But this also means that if it does rain, the water runs off quickly, leaving the roofs dry. If you live in an area where it rains often, then having a thick roof can be useful.
Thick walls are useful in areas where it gets hot or cold at night. A thick roof keeps out the heat during the day and allows in some light breeze at night. This is helpful in areas where it is hot during the day and cold at night. There are two types of roofs: flat and sloped. A flat roof is easy to maintain and durable. It usually has a plastic or metal covering. A sloped roof meets at the middle and becomes thinner towards the ends. The difference between the slopes of the two roofs is called the pitch. A flat roof with a low pitch is best for warmer climates while a sloped roof with a high pitch is better for colder climates.
A thick roof is useful if you want to save money on electricity. Roof fans use less power than air conditioners, and so they're more efficient. Also, a thick roof prevents noise from leaking into your home. That means no more complaints from your neighbors!
Flat roofs are common in dry areas because they do not gather snow and rain, which might cause problems. Flat roofs would most certainly cave in if snow and rain accumulated on them. However, this is not a problem for houses built into the side of a hill or mountain because any water that does collect on the roof will flow off into the surrounding soil.
The best part is that flat roofs are easy to maintain. Any dirt or debris that collects on the roof can be removed with a broom or vacuum. In fact, many people who live in regions where it snows consider this to be an advantage because it keeps their roofs clear of bugs and other pests that might otherwise invade their homes.
Desert houses tend to be low to the ground, with little height above the exterior walls. This is done so that animals will not attack the structure. If the house was higher, animals such as snakes would have easier access to these vulnerable places and could hurt someone. The lack of height also means that kids cannot go up inside the walls without assistance, reducing the risk of injury from falling objects.
Flat roofs are easy to repair as well. If there's a hole in the roof, it can be patched with a few pieces of plywood and then covered with another layer of shingles.
To keep the dwelling cool, some houses have thick walls and low roofs. The thick walls prevent heat from entering the homes, and the flat roofs serve to retain the little rainwater that falls during the day. These are called "cool" houses.
Thick walls help conserve energy too! The heat inside a house will rise, so having more insulation between the interior and exterior surfaces helps keep the home cooler during hot summers and warmer in cold climates.
Flat roofs are useful in areas where earthquakes are likely. They provide no resistance to movement, which makes them effective emergency shelters when other buildings around you have collapsed due to an earthquake or similar disaster.
The best-known example of a cool house is a Japanese inn, but these buildings are not limited to Japan. There are also cool houses in parts of Asia such as India and China.
In North America, early settlers built their own versions of cool houses using lumber that they harvested themselves. These days, small residential builders use materials available on the market today to construct their own cool houses. Some examples include: wooden siding on a frame building with vinyl windows and plastic doors, metal roofing, and concrete block for the wall foundation.
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