GORE Homes has opted to use pitched concrete instead of asphalt shingle for its roofs going forward.

The developer expects that the use of cement made in Jamaica by Caribbean Cement Company (Carib) will eliminate the need to import US$2 million in construction material, including wood, asphalt shingles and metal tiles for roofing each year.

“The new pitched concrete roof will look exactly like the current roof but will be solid concrete and cream in colour,” said a release issued by the company on Monday. “This roof is intended to make the house cooler and safer, and will last much longer than the traditional asphalt shingle roof.”

The roof will be coated with an acrylic waterproof insulation which will reflect the rays of the sun, making it feel several degrees cooler inside the house, according to Gore Developments Chairman Phillip Gore, who said that “the roof will last longer than the traditional asphalt shingle roof and with proper maintenance could last forever”.

Anthony Haynes reckons that the partnership was a win-win for all stakeholders.

The general manager of Carib strongly supports the increased use of concrete in housing developments, from roofs to pavements.

The 30-year-old Gore Developments is currently building and selling two and three bedroom homes in two gated communities, in New Harbour Village III, St Catherine, and in Coral Spring Village, near Falmouth, Trelawny.

“At the launch of the new two bedroom, two bathroom unit in St Catherine last week, the response to the new roof was overwhelmingly positive,” said the company’s release. “The prospective home owners loved that without the wooden rafters the ceilings seemed higher, making the home feel bigger.”

A model unit with the concrete roof is currently under construction at Coral Spring Village and will be completed within the next few weeks.

— BO