When deciding to get a new roof, you should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of all options. Keep reading for a comparison of flat and pitched roofing.
Flat Roofing
Advantages
Cost effectiveness: Minimal surface area means less materials, labor and time for construction. Installation, repair and replacements costs for flat roofing is cheaper than all types of sloped roofs.
Safety & accessibility: No roof is completely flat; even a “flat” roof generally has a slope of around 10 degrees for draining purposes. However, flat roofs are easier and safer for doing your own repairs, since the risk of slipping and falling is minimal.
Improved interior: Homes with steep-sloped roofs may have awkward wall space inside that cannot be used. This problem is eliminated with a flat roof.
Versatility: Flat roofing goes well with many types of homes, and gives you options, such as a rooftop garden.
Disadvantages
Maintenance: The lifespan of a flat roof is typically around 20 years, meaning it requires a lot of maintenance and eventually a repair, especially if you wish to sell your home in the future.
Pitched Roofing
Advantages
Loft space: Pitched roofs have at least two slopes that rise to meet at a peak, giving a lot of space in the loft area to use as storage or even living space.
Lifespan: Sloped roofing will almost certainly last significantly longer than flat roofing, with more durable and weather-resistant materials. The inside of the home will also be more effectively insulated, therefore not suffering from extreme temperatures.
Natural: A home with a pitched roof will blend in more with the rest of the property, in the case of an extension, or to other homes and buildings in the neighborhood.
Disadvantages
Expense: One consequence of pitched roofing is that it is a more complex design, requiring additional materials and man-hours, making the cost a bit more than that of a flat roof.
Have more questions about available roofing options? Contact us today!
Courtesy of Morgan Ashpalte & Kanga Roof
http://www.morganasphalte.co.uk/news/advantages-disadvantages-pitched-flat-roofing/
http://www.kangaroof.com/advantages-of-flat-roofs-maryland-dc.php
