For the longest time, most Kenyan homeowners relied on corrugated or metal sheets for their roofing needs.
Plastic roofing systems have recently gained popularity in high-end apartments, shopping malls, and other residential buildings.
Kenyans.co.ke spoke exclusively with Jonathan Kyalo to learn why so many Kenyans are now opting for plastic roofs.
Why are plastic roofs becoming more popular?
According to Kyalo, plastic roofs, also known commercially as polycarbonate sheets, may soon become the primary type of roofing system in Kenya.
“When compared to other types of sheets, plastic sheets are extremely strong.
“The sheets are almost unbreakable, which is why they are preferred in commercial houses to reduce liability in the event of an accident,” he explained to Kenyans.co.ke.
According to the contractor, the ease of transportation is also driving the popularity of the roofs.
“They are very light, which lowers transportation costs and makes them easier to install than metal sheets,” Kyalo explains.
Kyalo, who mostly builds houses in Nairobi’s satellite towns of Syokimau, Kitengela, and Mlolongo, explains why roofs are now preferred in those areas.
“Because the region is sunny almost all year, other roofs fade quickly. When you purchase plastic roofs, you can rest assured that they will last.
According to Ecosheets, an environmentally friendly construction journal, the roofs can block Ultra Violet Rays, making them the ideal roofing sheets.
UV light can cause skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts, and immune suppression, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The main disadvantage of using plastic roofs is that they are easily scratched and dented, so they must be handled with caution.
by: Kipkiruierick@2001