Table of Contents
What is a Flat Roof?
A flat roof is a nearly level roof made out of a horizontal base attached to the ceiling seams. This base is covered with a waterproof membrane. Contrary to their name, most flat roofs actually contain a small slope to help with water drainage. The standard pitch of the flat roof is never greater than 10-15° to the horizontal.
Why choose flat roofs?
Because of poor resilience to heavy rain, flat roofs have not always had a good reputation. However, with modern technology, roofs’ life span has extended due to the innovative materials they’re now made of. Over the last few years, the popularity of flat roofs has grown, which is why we’re starting to see these roofs appear more in modern commercial and residential buildings.
We’ve compiled the main Advantages and Disadvantages of flat roofs to help you weigh your options before choosing one for your outbuilding or addition.
Advantages of Using a Flat Roof
1. Cheaper than pitched roofs
The most cost-effective roofing options are flat roofing systems. For the same space, a pitched roof will cost thousands of dollars more than a flat roof. A 900-square-foot single-ply roof, for instance, may cost you around $7,000, but a pitched roof might cost you up to $9,000 or more. Therefore, a flat roof is a way to go if you’re all for saving more money upfront.
2. Faster and less disruptive installation process
In general, flat roofing systems are easier to complete. There are fewer tools and materials to work within a simple building. You’ll be glad to know, as a roofing client and company owner, that your routine won’t be disrupted and temporarily halted for days.
Pitched roofing systems are infamous for taking a long time to install. You work with more supplies and harder effort. Choose a flat roof if you are not prepared or willing to deal with delays in roofing installations.
3. The best option for Solar panel optimization
When compared to pitched roofs, flat roofs are the best locations for solar panels. You’ll be able to optimize the right solar panel angles. Most of all you maximize the money you spend. You can maximize the benefits of these energy-saving and environmentally friendly solutions by installing them on a flat roof.
4. More Sustainable and Energy efficient
They are more sustainable and energy efficient than sloped roofs because they have fewer surface areas that can let heat escape into the atmosphere which can lead to lower heating costs in the winter months.
Disadvantages of Using a Flat Roof
Flat roofs are a common type of roofing that can be seen on many homes and buildings. They are also one of the more popular types of roofs for residential and commercial buildings. But, like all other things, there are disadvantages to using flat roofs.
Some of the disadvantages that come with flat roofs are:
1. Flat roofs do not have a lot of insulation properties which means they will not keep your home as cool in the summer or warm in the winter as pitched roofs would.
2. Flat roofs also have a tendency to leak due to their lack of insulation properties. This is because they do not have any form of protection against water or moisture coming into contact with them from above.
3. It is much harder to install an HVAC unit on a flat roof than it would be on sloped surfaces because there is no slope for air to flow up and out from under the unit. This can make it hard for air conditioning units to cool
Conclusion: Which Kind of Roof Should You Choose?
Choosing the right kind of roof is an important decision. There are many factors to consider when making this decision. The most important consideration is what kind of climate you live in and what your needs are. for the roof. The climate of your region can influence the type of roof to choose. Many regions have a certain type of weather that makes certain materials more suitable than others.
The needs and preferences of your family will also affect which type you choose, as many roofs require modifications to fit within the structure or a specific space in the house.