The choice of the type of roof for a building should be made after paying due consideration to the climatic conditions as well as the material availability. A well planned roof must satisfy the following requirements.
It should have adequate strength and stability to carry the super-imposed dead and live loads.
It should effectively protect the building against rain, sun, wind etc. and it should be durable against the adverse effects of these agencies.
It should be water-proof and should have efficient drainage arrangements.
It should provide adequate thermal insulation.
It should be fire resistant.
It should provide adequate insulation against sound.
Most forms of roof construction provide an adequate insulation against sound from external sources for majority of buildings.