I'm building a very large exposed porch addition to a house with a cement composite panel roof in the Caribbean. The existing roof is 35 yrs, inspected, tested and in excellent condition.

I'm used to working with metal roofing, but need to follow through on the original construction and design style. I'm finding warnings against using modern cement composite panels in tropical homes because of expansion in the heat and humidity.

I'd consider boric acid treated ply, but have to coat/seal the roof/ceiling on both sides to follow through on design style and worry that since I'd have to seal it on both sides I wouldn't see a termite infestation until too late- termite infestation being a given here.

Having no luck with search engines, I'll ask y'all for advice:

1. Are there any companies that produce composite roofing panels designed specifically for the tropics?

2. Is the problem perhaps that people don't seal the panels properly in this climate and if I use something like an elastromeric coating, any good panel will be non reactive to climate?

Thanks,

BGH

Sounds like a good question for the building inspector where the house is located.
They have some real special requirements because of wind and rain issues. They would be the best folks to ask.

Thanks, HCC.

BGH