When deciding on the type of roof for my home in Abaco, I researched which styles performed best during Hurricane Dorian. One of the top options was the Bermuda Roof, and for good reason:
- Strength: Its hip design provides structural integrity from all sides, offering protection regardless of a storm’s direction.
- Energy Efficiency: The white finish reflects heat from the sun, keeping the home cooler.
- Traditional Caribbean Look: The timeless, clean lines embrace the classic architecture of the islands.
- Interior Aesthetics: Paired with an exposed truss system, it creates an open, breezy interior space.
- Water Harvesting: With no access to public water in Little Harbour, capturing rainwater is essential. The Bermuda Roof’s simple design makes it easy to install gutters that redirect water to a cistern.
While the traditional Bermuda Roof has many advantages, the weight and expense of pouring concrete made it less practical for my build. A friend in Cherokee introduced me to what he called the Bahamian Roof—a variation that uses marine-grade plywood instead of concrete, with flared edges adding to the architectural beauty.
However, sourcing marine-grade plywood has its own challenges due to cost and availability. Fortunately, I’ve located an overseas supplier offering precut 24” x 16’ x 1” marine-grade plywood for $197.56 per unit (or $6.18 per square foot) with a minimum order of 50 pieces.
The installation process includes:
- Priming the plywood.
- Attaching with stainless steel screws or ringed nails on 6” centers.
- Sealing joints with marine caulk.
- Applying a high-quality elastomeric coating for added durability.
I expect that the elastomeric coating will need to be recoated several times over the years, but it should build enough layers to become a very fine roof system.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this roofing style and its practicality for island living. Is the Bahamian Roof the future of resilient, cost-effective construction in the Caribbean?