Roofs - protection, durability and style
A roof in the Spanish climate plays a double role. It must be a “shield” protecting against extreme sun and sudden downpours, while also being a key element of the building’s aesthetics. At DPE, we implement two main standards: pitched roofs, referring to local tradition, and flat roofs, which are the hallmark of modern architecture. Regardless of the choice, the key to success is the engineering precision of the details, which determines the thermal comfort inside the house.
Pitched roofs - tradition that cools
Although modern projects often focus on minimalism, pitched roofs covered with tiles are still a popular choice, especially in projects inspired by Mediterranean, Andalusian, or rustic styles.
- Construction and aesthetics. A typical Spanish roof has a gentle slope (20-30°). We build the load-bearing structure from wood or reinforced concrete (prefabricated) elements, depending on the specifics of the project.
- Covering. We most often use ceramic tiles (interlocking or S-shaped) in shades of brick red and ochre. These give the buildings that characteristic southern look. Equally durable concrete tiles are an alternative.
- Overhangs and terraces. On the coast, we design both roofs with small eaves (modern) and those with large overhangs that create naturally roofed terraces, protecting the relaxation zone from the sun and rain.
- Natural ventilation (The key to comfort). The secret to the effectiveness of a pitched roof lies in the installation. We lay the tiles on a system of battens and counter-battens, creating a ventilation gap under the covering. This space allows for free airflow, which in summer “takes away” the heat from the heated tiles before it reaches the interior of the house. This is natural air conditioning of the structure, which significantly lowers the temperature in the attic.
- Interior. From the inside, we usually finish the roof with plasterboard (suspended ceilings/slopes), and in rustic projects, we expose wooden beams as a decorative element.
Flat roofs - modernity and additional space
A flat roof is a hallmark of contemporary villas in southern Spain. Investors choose it for its elegant form and functionality – the roof here becomes an additional terrace (solarium) or a technical zone.
- Solid base. We always base a flat roof on a heavy slab (rib-and-slab or monolithic). Such a massive base is necessary to support the roof layers and ensure stability.
- Water drainage engineering. Despite the name, a flat roof is never perfectly horizontal. To effectively drain rainwater, we use precise technical slopes.
- Shaping slopes. We most often create them using sloped mineral wool or sloped polystyrene. This allows us to give the roof its geometry and prepare it for waterproofing at the same time.
- Tightness. We lay waterproofing layers on the shaped surface, which act as a barrier to water and UV radiation.
- Functionality. The huge advantage of this solution is flexibility. A flat roof is an ideal place for:
- Viewing terraces and relaxation zones.
- Discreet installation of photovoltaic panels (invisible from the garden level).
- Hiding technical installations (e.g., air conditioning units).
When the technological regime is maintained, a flat roof is a durable, safe solution that fits perfectly into a modern lifestyle.
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