In this chapter, vernacular roofs are analyzed to learn the principles which define their performance. Unfortunately, many examples of this typology have disappeared, due to its fragility in front of weather conditions and their state of neglect; vernacular roofs are strongly linked to place and local resources, which are perishable. Despite this, they have fulfilled successfully their function, adapted to climate, for centuries. However, many changes in architecture design and materials changed the appearance and composition of roofs in the last century. It led to a design of roofs as a series of specialized layers with differentiated functions which perform better in some aspects but present some environmental disadvantages. Contemporary roof design can learn from former experiences, not with the purpose of returning to a vernacular language but getting back to their basic principles.

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