The Pros and Cons of a Flat Roof While most homes feature pitched roofs, flat roofs are a viable and common choice for extensions, garages, and commercial buildings. As the name suggests, a flat roof is roof that is laid horizontally across a structure, with a possible slight incline to help with drainage. Most commonly, these roofs will use synthetic rubber and asphalt to protect the building below, although other materials can also be used (click here to see what we use). Like any other type of roof, flat roofs have their advantages and disadvantages and you must weigh up the various factors before making a decision on installation. As a roofing company with vast experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining flat roofs, here is our take on the pros and cons.
Pro – Price Because they lack pitch, flat roofs are easier and, ultimately, cheaper to install. No rafters or engineered trusses are required in the installation of a flat roof and insuring a building company to install one is cheaper due to the lack of danger compared with a pitch roof.
Con – Maintenance Maintenance is the single biggest drawback of a flat roof. Due to its design, this type of roof has no way for water to naturally filter away, resulting in standing water (one of the biggest causes of leaks), debris, and blocked drains – all of which seriously affect the lifespan of the roof.
Pro – More Useable Space
Address: Balmore Specialist Contracts Ltd. 107 Dalsetter Avenue, Glasgow G15 8TE Email: sales@balmoreltd.co.uk Phone: 0141 944 6100. Website: http://www.balmore-ltd.co.uk
A flat roof is able to maximise space much better than a pitched roof. With no extreme angles, rooms are provided with much more living space and are easier to decorate and furnish. When sufficiently reinforced, a flat roof can also be used to provide outdoor space in the form of a rooftop patio area.
Con – Lifespan Due to their inability to fight off the elements in the same way that pitched roofs do, flat roofs do not have a great lifespan. While regular maintenance can greatly extend its life, depending on materials used, a roof may last no longer than a decade before a full replacement is needed.
Pro/Con – Heat Absorption Depending on how you want to look at it, the heat absorption properties of a flat roof can be both a positive and a negative. These roofs are designed to lap up the rays of the sun and are exposed to sunlight all day long. In the winter this can help partially heat a room (although the sun will be at its lowest point), but in the summer things could become uncomfortably hot. If you do decide that the pros of flat roofs outweigh the cons, Balmore Ltd is happy to provide any help, advice, and maintenance you need. Find out more about our services by clicking on this link: http://www.balmoreltd.co.uk/roofing-services
Address: Balmore Specialist Contracts Ltd. 107 Dalsetter Avenue, Glasgow G15 8TE Email: sales@balmoreltd.co.uk Phone: 0141 944 6100. Website: http://www.balmore-ltd.co.uk