Homeowners often have to make decisions about their home that will impact its function and appearance for years to come. One of which is choosing between a flat or pitched roof. Here’s a comparison of the two to find out which is right for you.
Maintenance
Both flat and pitched roofs require regular maintenance. However, although pitched roofs may be more difficult to clean and inspect, due to the sloped structure, flat roofs often require more maintenance throughout the life of the roof. Flat roof drainage is not quite as effective as a pitched roof’s, and without regular inspection, drains can become clogged, leading to damage and leaks. The roof requires a waterproof seal, which must be maintained regularly to prevent leaks and costly repairs. Many flat roof leaks are due to a lack of regular inspection and maintenance, so be sure that you have the time to check your roof regularly if you choose a flat roof for your property. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate
Aesthetics
The flat roof gives a modern and sleek design, which is often cooler and trendier when designing a building. This type of roof can be used on both residential and commercial buildings which opens up the design floor for a great deal of possibilities.
This type of roof gives the building room to embrace a minimalist design, or focus on other elements besides the roofing. Source: DesigningIdea
Costs
Sloped roofs can be fairly inexpensive to build or replace, depending on the style of slope and the material you choose. Simpler roof designs with asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective. More complicated roofing structures with a copper roof would be the most expensive. Part of the increase in cost in building a sloped roof is simply the additional material needed to reach the peak of the roof, then angle it down across the length of the building.
A flat still costs less to build and replace because you’re not adding material for the slope. As we all know, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and a flat roof draws a straight line across the building. Plus, the rubber rolls used to finish a flat roof are still less expensive than asphalt shingles, not to mention the costlier materials you could use to finish a sloped roof. Source: Homenish
If you’re still having trouble deciding between a pitched roof and a flat roof, call us! We’ll help you figure out which type of roofing is the best for your budget and needs.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
