Flat roofs present a host of advantages and disadvantages in their design. Surprisingly energy efficient but susceptible to water pooling and leaks, flat roofs are also versatile, with a lower installation and maintenance cost due to their materials and design. Here, we look at some of the important advantages and disadvantages of flat roofing to provide expert advice in your considerations.
Advantages of Flat Roofing
There are several advantages to flat roofing, from reduced costs to energy efficiency, let’s take a closer look:
Reduced Cost
Arguably the most significant advantage of all, flat roofs come at a much lower cost than their traditional counterparts, using less material than sloped roofs in construction. This means that the initial construction cost is far more cost-effective than sloped roofs, but as a result, repairs costs will also be slashed, particularly in the event of serious or extensive damage.
Versatile
Flat roofs can be used for several different purposes. Many homeowners have taken to adapting their flat roof into a rooftop garden, for plants, fruit or vegetables, balancing the carbon footprint of the property in the process. In similar terms, flat roofs are ideal for solar panel installation. As an added incentive, rooftop cardigans provide weather protection all year round, reducing the impact felt by frost, heat or rainfall.
Energy Efficient
Due to their design, flat roofs are perfect for managing the cost of your utility usage at home, especially in warmer conditions. Unlike a sloped roof, which can trap unwanted warm air, or allow for cold air to escape, a flat floor reduces the overhead space of your property, preventing it from stagnating or leaking.
Disadvantages of Flat Roofing
In contrast, there are also some considerable disadvantages of flat roofs you must take into consideration:
Impacted By Weather
Colder climates and conditions can have a dramatic effect on flat roofing solutions, capable of causing several issues that may result in several headaches for the homeowner. For instance, flat roofs are far more likely to accumulate water and pool on flat roofs, leading to water damage or leaking, whereas snow and ice accumulation as a result of ice damming could also lead to considerable maintenance or repair work.
Shorter Lifespan
Generally speaking, a flat roof is far more likely to need replacement sooner than a sloped alternative. As a rule, most sloped roofs can last up to 20 years without the need for repair, replacement or serious maintenance work, whereas a flat roof, due to its design and susceptibility to water damage or leaking, will likely need replacing every 10 years.
Waterproofing and “Green” Roofs.
As suggested, many people are choosing to adapt their flat roofs into a rooftop garden or vegetable plot. And though this can have several advantages to our collective environment, it can cause problems when plant roots begin to invade the structural integrity of your roofing. Over time, and without the appropriate treatment, plant roots will penetrate the roofing and cause havoc with your damp proofing.
At B&D Roofing, whatever your flat roof needs are, we can help; we have been providing a full range of flat roofing services to a wide range of clients for three generations. For advice on flat roofing installation and repair, including built-up felt, single ply membranes and liquid coatings, contact us today for more information.
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