Assessment of Roofing Materials and Their Performance in Coastal Communities of Delta State

Coastal communities in Delta State, South South Nigeria, face specific environmental challenges including high humidity, salt-laden winds, and intense rainfall that place extraordinary demands on roofing materials. This study assessed the types, performance, and durability of roofing materials used in 80 residential buildings across three coastal communities in Warri, Burutu, and Escravos Local Government Areas of Delta State. Field inspections assessed the condition of roofing materials, including corrugated iron sheets, aluminium sheets, long-span aluminium, and asbestos sheets. Age-adjusted performance was scored on a 5-point condition scale for each material type. Residents and builders (n = 60) were interviewed on material selection reasons, maintenance practices, and observed performance issues. Results showed that corrugated iron sheets were the most prevalent roofing material (62% of buildings) but exhibited the poorest durability, with significant corrosion observed in buildings over 5 years old. Long-span aluminium performed best, with 92% of inspected structures rated as good or excellent condition regardless of age. Asbestos sheets (present in 11% of older structures) were in poor condition in 78% of cases. Replacement cycles for corrugated iron sheets averaged 7 years in the coastal environment, compared to a manufacturer-stated 15-year lifespan. The study concludes that coastal environmental conditions in Delta State dramatically reduce the service life of common roofing materials, and recommends corrosion-resistant roofing specifications in the Delta State Building Regulations.

Keywords: roofing materials, coastal buildings, durability, corrosion, Delta State