Whether you’re roofing a new home or attempting to re-roof an existing property, it’s crucial to consider the roof type and shape. Though angled roofs have long been standard on most single-family homes, flat roofs tend to work well on larger, taller houses.
This begs the question: Should you install a flat roof on your home or business? The only way to decide for sure is to compare the advantages and disadvantages of a flat roof. After checking out these pros and cons, your priorities and preferences can help you determine whether this roof type is right for you.
Advantages of a Flat Roof
Are you considering installing a flat roof on your home or business? If so, you’ll be glad to know that a flat roof can:
- Support a rooftop garden
- Be the ideal home for solar panels
- Lower utility costs
- Be easily and affordably maintained
- Generate more living space for your home
Disadvantages of a Flat Roof
Now that we’ve explored some of the best aspects of flat roofs, it’s time to point out some of the drawbacks of these roofs. After all, flat roofs can:
- Collect water and debris
- Suffer shorter lifespans that other roofs
- Buckle and leak in snowy weather
- Become warped due to soil and plant life
Is a Flat Roof Right for You?
If you’re hoping to impart a modern look, you might want to choose a flat roof. These types of roofs can be transformed into rooftop gardens, or play host to energy-saving solar panels. Because a flat roof doesn’t require an attic space, you won’t need to deal with bothersome insulation and hidden pests every time you enter your home’s storage space.
Still, flat roofs are notoriously difficult to keep dry and clean. There aren’t any angles to help rain drain away from the home, or to keep leaves sliding off and away. If you haven’t designed easy rooftop access, you can quickly find yourself struggling with roof maintenance and repairs.
However, flat roofs that are well-insulated and made of rubber, concrete, or modified bitumen may handle rain and debris better than traditional metal or shingle-based options. As such, a flat roof might be an excellent idea for homeowners, but only if you’re ready to use that roof space for more than cover.