Here in Malta we are blessed with the opportunity of creating open-air leisurely havens on the top of our flat roofs. Not everybody makes full use of the open space up above the properties and the reasons for this are many and varied. However, once proper and professional attention is given to one’s roof, this can become a beautiful place to enjoy, especially during the long spring, summer and early autumn days. Kenneth Tanti, provides some expert advice on how to make a roof terrace work.

A major difficulty surrounding roof terraces is the fact that the islands are very often overcome by strong winds. Roof terraces can suffer a lot of damage - what are a few tips you can give to avoid major damage?

“When designing roof terraces, I always make use of heavy furnishings - tables, armchairs, deckchairs, or stools. There are plenty of these, if one just looks for them, and the right furniture will be weather-resistant and sturdy enough not to fly off the roof. Weather resistance is also important due to our very strong sunshine which makes flimsy materials especially likely to crackle and break down. Pillows or cushions for seating facilities should be made of water-proof outdoor fabric which is available in a whole range of colours and designs to suit all tastes and preferences.”



A major difficulty surrounding roof terraces is the fact that the islands are very often overcome by strong winds. Roof terraces can suffer a lot of damage - what are a few tips you can give to avoid major damage?

“When designing roof terraces, I always make use of heavy furnishings - tables, armchairs, deckchairs, or stools. There are plenty of these, if one just looks for them, and the right furniture will be weather-resistant and sturdy enough not to fly off the roof. Weather resistance is also important due to our very strong sunshine which makes flimsy materials especially likely to crackle and break down. Pillows or cushions for seating facilities should be made of water-proof outdoor fabric which is available in a whole range of colours and designs to suit all tastes and preferences.”

What happens if a person wants to create a roof garden with lots of plants on the roof terrace buy is concerned about blocked drains from dead foliage?

“The question of whether to have any greenery on the roof is a very real one. We are fortunate in that here in Malta ee can choose from a great selection of very hardy plants that grow relatively quickly and happily, even in wide-open spaces. Proper drainage should be organised so that pebbles, fallen leaves and gravel don't block drains. Usually we avoid selecting plants or shrubs with leaves that typically drop easily. Otherwise, it would be a bit difficult to avoid this problem.”

What is your experience of the most common problems people face on roof terraces & how to solve them?

“Some people go overboard when decorating roof terraces and rooftops, so they start buying a lot of decorative items at the height of summer. This is all well and good, but then they would need to store it all indoors in the winter, and the storage is not something they usually factor in. It is always important to make sure that whatever you place outside is stored safely and conveniently in its own space inside. There is also the issue of providing suitable safe and sturdy coverage from the sun… one has to have a proper gazebo or retractable sun shade that is created purposely for the space in question, also considering the level of wind and wind gusts which to property sustains all year round.

About Tanti Interiors
At Tanti Interiors, we offer professional interior design in Malta and overseas and pride ourselves in having worked on some of the most exclusive homes and commercial properties. Backed up by almost twenty years of experience we have built up a name on trust and knowledge on how to get it right.