If you’re interested in architecture or are simply paying attention to the newest houses being built in your neighborhood, you may have noticed the increasing number of homes that are being designed with flat roofs.
Modern homes come in all shapes and sizes, but if there’s one feature they all tend to share, it’s a flat roof. So, what is driving this new trend, and is the proliferation of this boxier type of building simply a passing fad, or does this have an advantage over those with traditional pitched roofs?
This article will explore some of the pros and cons of flat vs. pitched roofs, and will attempt to explain where this architectural craze came from and where it’s going.
Pros and Cons of Flat and Pitched Roofs
Roofing is a complicated trade, and both flat and pitched styles can be constructed using a wide range of different materials. Flat roofs often incorporate membranes, tar-and-gravel, spray polyurethane foam, and EPDM, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages, while pitched roofs can be made with wood shakes, metal, and asphalt shingle.
But broadly speaking, no matter what kind of material you use, the following pros and cons will apply.
Flat Roof:
- Pros: Easier to install, cheaper to build, more energy-efficient, more environmentally friendly
- Cons: Requires more regular maintenance, shorter lifespan, higher risk of leaks
Pitched Roof:
- Pros: Classic appearance, more efficient water management, longer lifespan, less maintenance
- Cons: More expensive, harder to install, less energy-efficient, not always environmentally friendly
One way to imagine the difference between flat and pitched is that flat is cheaper and faster to install, but requires more attention, while pitched involves more upfront costs but lasts longer with less maintenance.
Why are Flat Roofs so Popular?
Given the price advantage of flat roofs, there is obviously an incentive for construction companies to push this style of architecture. But it would be wrong to suggest that flat=cheap and pitched=quality. Flat roofs are desirable for a number of reasons, one of which simply being that many homeowners find them more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Flat roofs may require more attention, but because repairs are more straightforward it,Ajax roofers can provide competitive service and fix any issues that may arise (you’re also likely to catch these sorts of problems earlier on a flat roof than you would on a pitched).
Furthermore, the fact that this kind of architecture can easily be adapted into a green roof, garden, or a deck makes flat roofs desirable for those living in dense urban areas who want to make the most of the space they have.
While we tend to think of flat roofs as being a distinctly modern innovation, it is worth remembering that it is a very ancient architectural style with deep roots in cultures around the world. Whether you are attracted by the lower costs or you are simply drawn to the look, buying this kind of home, or renovating an older home to include this type or roof, is a worthwhile investment.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
