Choosing the best roof material for a gazebo is essential if you want the gazebo to last long. A gazebo roof designed can be in any style; the way the top is styled determines whether it is a pergola, a pavilion or a pop-up gazebo. Choosing the type of roofing you want for a gazebo depends on the load capacity of the roofing. Before you decide on the kind of roof you want and what roof material is best for your gazebo, you need to know why you need a roof.
Why Do You Need a Roof?
The roof is an essential part of a gazebo; it protects the pavilion from environmental hazards. The top covers and protects the gazebo structure from excessive rain, sun and snow. A person strolling in a park on a sunny day can find shelter under a gazebo roof. The roof reduces heat from the sun and makes you sit comfortably inside the pavilion.
Installing a roof on your gazebo can also prevent you from getting wet when it rains. Gazebos with tops are less prone to damage and can last for years than those without a roof. Since you now know why a roof is essential, you can go ahead in choosing the type of roof you want for your gazebo.
Types of Roof

Gable Roof
Gable roofs are the typical type of roof design used by homeowners for their gazebos. It has a two sloped edge; its shape is like an open letter V. Gable roof is the best use for pavilions and pergolas.
Hipped Roof
The hipped roof has a pyramid shape, can be used for roofing a pavilion gazebo. A hip roof is durable and can add architectural quality and solidness to your gazebo structure.
Flat Roof
Just as the name implies, this kind of roof has a flat surface area. This type of roof designs are standard on pergolas; homeowners preferred flat roofs for a pergola because they are cheap, easy to install and maintain.
Retractable Canopy
A retractable canopy is a temporary roofing type for gazebos. It can be rolled back when not in use, leaving the gazebo structure open.
Roofing Materials
The quality of a gazebo roof depends on the material used in making the roof. Some materials can withstand high temperature, while some may not.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are a good roofing material; homeowners prefer slate tiles because they are resistant to fire, which makes them less prone to damage. They are also easy to maintain and last for a very long period.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles like slate tiles are used for roofing a gazebo. They come in varieties of colours which makes them more beautiful. One downside of clay tile is that they can break when step on, and the colour can fade over time.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tile is suitable for roofing gazebos; they are lightweight compared to clay and slate tiles. Concrete tiles are the right choice because they are durable and easy to maintain.
Metals
Metals like aluminium is the best choice of material for homeowners in roofing a gazebo. Aluminium can be used in permanent roofing Pavillon; they are useful in areas with bad climate conditions. Metals are durable; they have fire-resistant and waterproof properties. Homeowners prefer using a metal roof for their gazebo because it is less prone to damage, easy to maintain and can last for an extended period.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood has a natural look; they blend well with the gazebo structure. Wood shingles are long-lasting; they are easy to repair and replace. One disadvantage of wood shingles is that it is not fire-resistant.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are lightweight and are easily layered on a sheet on a roof. Asphalt shingles are low cost and also easy to install. It has fire-resistant properties, which make it less prone to damage.
Polycarbonates
It is a transparent plastic used by homeowners for roofing a gazebo. Polycarbonate roofs are strong, hard and stiff; most people prefer polycarbonate because it is durable and has lightweight. Polycarbonate roofs are best for roofing a gazebo because they can withstand both too high and low temperature.
Conclusion
Choosing the best roof material for a gazebo is vital if you want to build a permanent gazebo. Homeowners can decide to choose a metal roof, a wooden or asphalt shingles for their pavilion.