TECHNICAL INSIGHT: ROOFING
FEVER PITCH: UNPICKING THE FLAT VS PITCHED ROOFING DEBATE
On the pitch
It’s one of the most important considerations in new-build architecture – whether to finish the property with a pitched or flat roof. But it’s also a decision that inspires hotly-contested discussions on the pros and cons of each option, with advances in materials meaning the choice is wider than ever. In this article, George King, Divisional Managing Director at SIG Exteriors, gets to the heart of the debate, and looks at the solutions currently available to architects and specifiers. SIG EXTERIORS
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rends and standards have moved on considerably since the days when ‘flat roof’ was merely a byword for garages and extensions. Indeed, take a walk around any city in the UK – or switch on any of the myriad architectural ‘dream home’ shows on television – and you’ll see some visually stunning properties that have utilised this method of insulating and protecting a home. FC&A – MAY – 2021
For the homeowner of today, to whom aesthetics and kerb appeal is a key consideration when buying or selling a property, flat roofs can represent a stylish yet uniquely modern finish for a house, just as much as the pitched roof alternative. Both have their benefits. By taking these into consideration, architects and specifiers will be best placed to provide their clients with advice and guidance to help meet their project’s requirements – and pockets. 26
For many years, the pitched roof has come to dominate our mental image of what a ‘traditional’ house looks like. The staple of new-build developments nationwide, pitched roofs have long been the preferred choice for many architects, who cite the reliability and durability of the system. Representing up to 30% of the visible building, a pitched roof can significantly enhance the aesthetics of a property, with the use of coloured tiles or slates affording a sense of character and uniqueness. But the benefits go beyond looks. Pitched roofs have a well-earned reputation for durability and weather resistance – a key consideration for a country with a climate as diverse as the UK’s. Indeed, once built, pitched roofs should require little to no maintenance. The angled slope of the roof eliminates the risk of pooling, serving as a highly efficient drainage system for what can be significant quantities of water. What’s
