Roof Defects in North Cyprus

ABSTRACT: The construction boom in North Cyprus, followed by Annan Plan, have resulted in the construction of a great number of buildings with minimum costs and quality. Although there exist certain rules for the construction of new buildings in North Cyprus, and part of these rules are related to the roofs, defects are observed few years after construction. This thesis intends to introduce different roof systems in North Cyprus, to find their problems and suggest solutions. In this respect, Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, and Iskele districts in Northern Cyprus are selected as cases for this study. First, roofs are analyzed from form, structure, material, indoor air quality and thermal insulation, and construction details’ aspects. Form of roofs is being analyzed by Google Earth maps for urban and rural parts of the selected cases. Roof structures are analyzed by distributing close-ended questionnaires among architects, and constructors of the 20 chosen construction companies. Finally, 15 designed projects are selected and their materials, indoor air quality and thermal insulation, and construction details are discussed. Owners, 5-6 years after occupation and constructors are asked to evaluate roof systems and to choose the most important problems in North Cyprus. The number of buildings which were constructed in the selected districts according to Devlet Planlama Örgütü in 2009 was 2064, thus; 326 owners from the urban and rural parts of these districts are randomly selected to fill the questionnaires. By utilizing the results of observations and filled questionnaires, the root of roof defects in Northern Cyprus can be divided into poor design, construction and workmanship, and maintenance. Lack of proper details, thermal insulations, and drainage systems with improper sloping for flat roofs are caused by poor design. Cockles, ridges and splits on roofing membrane, poor leveling and also slipped and loose tiles are common defects caused by poor workmanship. Other problems are related to the maintenance such as mold growth on roof tiles, placing various elements on roof, and broken and blocked gutters. This thesis can be useful for constructors and designers, in order to minimize roof defects by proper design and construction and researchers who are interested in roofs and diagnosing their problems. Keywords: Roof, roof defects, TRNC construction industry, building construction details, architectural design. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………