Roofs guide rain away — Engineering, 4–6
A sloping roof gives rainwater a path away from the inside of a shelter. Engineering, 4–6 years.
A roof gives rain a path
A roof is more than a cover over a room. Its shape makes water move towards an edge instead of letting it sit above the room. A sloping roof sends rain down to the ground, where it can be collected or guided away.
Why slope a roof?
Rain that stays on a flat cover can make it heavy, leak through gaps or drip inside. People learned to shape shelters so water would leave instead of waiting in a puddle. The problem is not only getting wet: trapped water can damage wood, fabric and walls over time.
Two paper roofs
Make two tiny houses from cups and cover one with flat card. Fold another card in the middle like a tent and put it on the second house. Pour one spoon of water on each roof. The flat roof may hold a puddle, while the folded roof sends water down its two sides.
A steep roof is not always best
It is easy to think that the steepest roof must shed rain best. A steep slope can help water move, but it also needs stronger supports and may catch more wind. A roof must match its weather, size and materials. Engineers balance several needs instead of choosing the biggest slope.
Shelters and rainwater
The roofs of homes, bus shelters, sheds and tents all deal with rain. Gutters can catch the water at the edge and send it into a barrel or away from a doorway. You can notice the same idea on a leaf: its shape guides drops towards the tip.
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