Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly (IRMA) concrete roof, insulated externally with a moisture resistant high compressive strength XPS insulation that serves to protect the membrane from UV exposure and maintains the roof slab at a stable indoor temperature. The insulation is weighted down by a stone ballast loaded above a drainage layer with integrated geotextile to manage rainwater above the insulation layer. Primary drainage is above the insulation layer, but this system can include a protection and backup drainage layer under the insulation if required.

Rooftiles are used on pitched roofs to keep out rain, and can be made from terracotta, glazed clay, slate, timber shingles, concrete or even plastic composites.

Metal roofing formed into a wide variety of profiles has been a common pitched roof cladding in Australia since the early 1800s.

Green roofs are partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium and need functional layers such as waterproofing, root barriers, drainage, water storage, aeration and irrigation systems.

Flat roofs are membrane waterproofed roofs, terraces and balconies with a very low pitch. Although concrete flat roofs are more common in commercial construction, timber and steel frame deck roofs face similar challenges in managing drainage, waterproofing and condensation.