Every little detail counts when it comes to building your new home—from the layout of the rooms to the materials used in the construction. There are so many things that you can adjust to make your house your forever home. One thing you can also consider is having a flat roof.
With the recent trend of green roofs and sustainable buildings, a flat roof is coming into the limelight as well. It is becoming more popular because of its efficient design and the many benefits that come with it. Lower maintenance cost and improved energy efficiency are just some of the benefits of having this type of roof.
Let’s look at the reasons why such is perfect for your new home!
What Is a Flat Roof?
A flat roof is one type of roofing which has an extremely low pitch and is almost horizontally leveled. A completely flat one is not advisable as it could trap water in; by having it a little sloped, it can facilitate water drainage and will avoid storing water in the roof. Flat roofs are commonly seen at commercial establishments, but are now getting more and more popular with residential homes.
What are the Different Types of Flat Roofs?
There are mainly three types of this roof: membrane, built-up, and modified bitumen.
- Membrane is a single-ply roofing that refers to a sheet of rubber that is placed flat on a roof. This type of roof is becoming more and more popular because of its high reliability, variety of vibrant color options, durability, and adaptability to low or high temperatures. EPDM is the most popular membrane-type roofing material used nowadays; it is made up of environmentally-friendly recycled rubber materials. This type of roof has a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
- Built-up roofing, or BUR, uses different layers of materials like gravel, tar and ply sheets. It can be considered costly, but it is an excellent protection against water, heat, and other damaging weather conditions.
- Modified bitumen, or MBR, uses a combination of materials such as plastic, rubber, polyester or fiberglass. This type of roofing provides better durability than BUR, but provides the same affordability and ease of installation as EPDM.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Flat Roof?
Advantages
Flat roofs are very durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They are relatively less expensive since they will use fewer materials to install compared to other types of roofs. And since they require less materials, they’re relatively easy and quick to install.
They can also provide extra outdoor space, such as having a roof deck or a green roof. They are very easy to inspect, repair and maintain. They are great options for installing things like solar panels, which can provide energy efficiency. They can also provide maximum interior space to allocate equal spaces for both top and bottom floors.
Disadvantages
One of the main concerns with this type of roof is the lack of drainage. It could be a challenge for a completely straight roof, so having a bit of a slope might help with keeping out the water from the roof. If a completely horizontal roof is more preferred, added mechanisms to address proper drainage need to be in place to avoid breakdown of roofing material or future leaks.
Generally, they are more suitable to places with warmer climates because most cannot withstand the weight of built-up snow in the winter. Also, materials used for this roof are relatively scarce; there are not many options to choose from.
Why Choose a Flat Roof?
There are many reasons to choose a flat roof for your home, but one of the main reasons is its affordability. This roof is significantly cheaper than a sloped roof and can also be much easier to install, repair and maintain. If your home is located where strong winds are very common, a flat one is a perfect type of roof to protect your house. They are very strong and durable, which makes them suitable for windy climates.
If you are looking for extra outdoor space, having this design can make it happen! You can have a rooftop garden, a sports area, or space where you can relax and unwind. The versatility of a flat roof turned to a useful space is endless.
Conclusion
A flat roof is a great option for your home, but you need to make sure that it is the right one for you. We have shared the advantages and disadvantages of having such, and it is best to go over these factors to decide whether this roof type is the right option for your home.
Given that the roof is one of the most important components in a house, it is best to consider hiring a reliable roofing contractor who can help you assess and provide you assurance on the durability of whichever type of roof you may want to consider.
