--- title: "Roof coverings in Terai, pros and cons" subject: "Building Technology" chapter: 4 key: "semester_6/building_technology:roof-covering-pros-cons" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/roof-covering-pros-cons site: BCT Engineering --- # Roof coverings in Terai, pros and cons Building Technology · Chapter 4: Roofs - Asked in: 2079 Asoj, 4 marks - Video: [Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels: Pros And Cons + Cost. Is Corrugated Roofing Right For Your House?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpZTdbAEBqU) — Metal Roofing Learning Channel® - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/roof-covering-pros-cons - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-4 ## Question Explain any two roof covering materials commonly used in Terai region of Nepal. Give pros and cons of using such covering. ## Short answer In Terai, CGI sheets are light, cheap, quick to fix, fire-resistant but hot, noisy, prone to rust, and poor insulation. Clay tiles offer good thermal insulation, durability, fire resistance, and local availability but are heavy, brittle, need maintenance, and can leak or blow off in wind/earthquake. ## Answer In the Terai region (hot and humid, heavy monsoon), the commonly used coverings are: #### 1. CGI (corrugated galvanised iron) sheets - **Pros:** light weight, quick and easy fixing, cheap, long span between purlins, good rain protection, fire resistant, suitable in earthquake zones. - **Cons:** become very hot in summer and noisy in rain, rust in humid conditions if zinc coating is poor, poor thermal insulation, can be blown off by high wind if not fixed well. #### 2. Clay tiles (khapra / Mangalore tiles) - **Pros:** good thermal insulation, cool inside, durable, fire resistant, locally made, attractive. - **Cons:** heavy (needs stronger roof frame), brittle and break easily, need regular maintenance, can leak at joints and are damaged by strong wind and earthquake. Thatch (khar) is also used in rural Terai; it is cheap and cool but is not fire-safe and needs frequent replacement. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Which is an advantage of CGI sheets in the Terai? A. Excellent thermal insulation B. Silent in rain C. Light weight with quick, easy fixing D. Heavy but very stable in wind Answer: C. CGI is light, cheap and quickly fixed, which is why it is popular. (Key point: CGI pros) 2. Why can CGI sheets be uncomfortable in the Terai? A. They become very hot in summer and are noisy in rain B. They absorb water and rot C. They are too heavy for rafters D. They shatter in earthquakes Answer: A. Poor thermal insulation and noise are the main drawbacks, plus rust if coating is poor. (Key point: CGI cons) 3. Which is a disadvantage of clay tiles? A. Poor thermal insulation B. Heavy, needing a stronger roof frame, and brittle C. Not fire resistant D. Cannot be made locally Answer: B. Tiles are heavy and brittle, though cool and durable. (Key point: Clay tile cons) 4. Why are clay tiles good for the hot Terai climate? A. They are extremely light B. They never need maintenance C. They are noise-producing D. Good thermal insulation keeps the inside cool Answer: D. Their insulation keeps interiors cool; they are also durable and fire resistant. 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