Timber Roof & Tiled Roof
Construction in Lefkada
We design and build timber roofs and tiled roofs for the specific demands of Lefkada: humidity, salt, strong winds, seismic activity and intense sunshine.
Roof types
Types of timber roof and tiled roof in Lefkada
For every roof built in Lefkada, the type carries different requirements in structure, cost and maintenance. The choice depends on the load-bearing structure, the architecture and the plot.
Gable roof
The most common type: two sloping planes. Simple to build, effective at shedding water, and suitable for both traditional and modern aesthetics.
Hip roof
Four sloping faces: better wind resistance, ideal for seaside villas. More complex to build, but excellent for the Ionian climate.
Composite / modern roof
A combination of planes, angles and cantilevers. It requires a CLT slab or high-spec structural timber and a sound waterproofing system.
The tiled roof in Lefkada is a central element of a traditional wooden house in Lefkada: the tile type (Roman / Byzantine), the weight, the airtightness and the seismic fastening all work together with the CLT shell so the island architecture performs on the island.
Glued laminated timber
Timber roofs in glued laminated timber (Glulam)
For projects that call for large spans, an exposed timber aesthetic and stable mechanical behavior, glulam (glued laminated timber) is the natural choice for the roof's load-bearing structure. It is combined with a structural study, controlled material supply, correct insulation layering and a complete waterproofing logic for the climate of Lefkada and the Ionian.
Through partnerships with European structural-timber mills, certified glulam can be specified in strength classes such as GL24, GL28, GL30 and GL32, depending on the loads, spans and architectural form of each project. This way the roof is not treated as simple carpentry, but as an engineered roof system.
When glulam is chosen
Common timber roofs for homes and tourist projects.
Larger spans and higher structural requirements.
Special constructions with high loads, large spans or unusual forms.
Large spans
Clean spaces with few intermediate supports, when the structural study allows it.
High stability
Reduced deformation and stable geometry compared with plain solid timber of large cross-sections.
Exposed timber roof
A clean, premium result for homes, hotels, tourist accommodation and commercial spaces.
Special forms
Suitable for demanding geometries, curved or special load-bearing elements, where the project needs them.
Layers of an exposed timber roof
Beams and trusses in glued laminated timber, sized from the structural study.
Timber lining, usually fir, for a natural interior result.
A vapor-control membrane that protects against condensation.
High-spec mineral wool or extruded polystyrene.
A waterproofing layer that allows diffusion and protects against water.
Ventilated support base and final covering, often with Roman-style tiles.
Ionian requirements
A roof for an island environment: what it must withstand in Lefkada
For any roof in an island environment, the demands in Lefkada are multiple and simultaneous: resistance to humidity, salt, wind and earthquake. A "typical" timber roof without dedicated design often fails at at least one of these points.
Zone III seismicity
The roof does not simply "sit" on top: it must be integrated into the load-bearing structure with calculated connections.
CriticalHumidity & salt
Relative humidity of 75%+ and salt-laden air. Without correct moisture-protection layering, the timber degrades within a few years.
HumidityTemperature & sun
High summer temperatures and solar radiation. Insulation and ventilation beneath the roof are critical for energy performance.
EnergyStrong winds
North and south winds at high speeds. A hip roof or special wind-resistant layers are essential on exposed plots.
WindLayering
How a timber roof is built correctly
Each layer has a specific role. Skipping one, or getting the order wrong, means problems that appear silently and cost many times more to fix.
80% of waterproofing problems come from poorly executed details during construction, not from material failure.
CLT roof vs traditional
Why CLT changes the logic of the roof
When the roof is a CLT slab, it is not a "separate piece": the slab itself works as a load-bearing surface and a continuation of the same structural system.
Unified seismic logic
Wall + ceiling + roof as one system. The Rothoblaas connections are documented per node.
Off-site CNC precision
Each CLT slab is produced from a BIM model and installed in hours, critical for island logistics.
Closed shell in a few days
Once the CLT roof slab is in place, the building is protected from the weather. Interior works start immediately.
Exposed timber inside
The CLT slab can stay exposed inside: natural timber with no false ceiling. A result with natural warmth that makes a difference in high-spec villas and tourist use.
Thermal mass & sound insulation
CLT offers natural thermal mass and excellent acoustic performance, critical for villas in tourist use.
Investment & insurance value
A CLT roof with XLAM documentation strengthens resale value and eases bank valuation.
Maintenance & life cycle
What to expect over time
A correctly built timber roof in Lefkada has a predictable maintenance cycle. The problem is not the timber: it is the water-ingress points that were not addressed from the start.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about timber roofs
For a full technical analysis, see the FAQ page or request a timber roof estimate.
For an island climate you need: dry C24+ structural timber, correct moisture-protection layering, salt-resistant tiles and seismic connections. For demanding projects, a CLT slab as the carrier is often the most complete option: one system with full seismic logic and a clear load path.
Yes. Lefkada is in seismic Zone III. The roof must connect to the load-bearing structure through calculated connections, especially in CLT builds. See the FAQ page.
It depends on the roof area, the roof type, the materials and the logistics. Without a scope analysis, any number is a guess. See the cost factors or request a timber roof estimate.
Yes. Traditional C24 beams with correct layering are a viable solution for simpler projects. For premium villas or strict seismic requirements, a CLT slab offers clear advantages in documentation, speed and the final aesthetic.