Flat Roofs: Pros and Cons

The first thing you notice about homes is their roofs. You can find roofs of multiple shapes, and materials, including slanting roofs, gable roofs, and flat roofs, among others. Flat roofs are becoming a popular option among homeowners for various reasons like easy maintenance, enhanced energy efficiency, and much more. However, if you consider getting a flat roof for your home, you need to know the pros and cons.

Read on to know the various advantages and disadvantages of having a flat roof.

Advantages

• Cost-efficiency

One of the reasons flat roofs are so popular is that the materials are cheap, so the overall construction costs are less. Additionally, the labor also costs less as the installation is not risky. So if you are looking for an affordable yet durable roofing style for your home, flat roofs are a good choice. 

• Less maintenance cost

Over the years, to prolong the lifespan of your roof, you need to spend a lot of money on roof maintenance, which is another hit on your pocket. With flat roofs, the maintenance and repair cost over the years is also lower, and it doesn’t take too much time to repair them. 

• Versatility

A flat roof gives you additional space in your house to use for various purposes. Many homeowners create a mini rooftop garden for their homes on flat roofs. You can also turn it into a play area for kids or as a temporary storage space. 

• Energy-efficiency 

If you live in a location with harsh summers, having a flat roof can help you reduce your electricity bills. Sloped roofs trap unwanted warm air in your home, making it a few degrees hotter, so your HVAC system has to work more, increasing your energy consumption.

However, flat roofs have less overhead space, so the warm air dissipates into the atmosphere, efficiently keeping your home cooler during summers. 

Disadvantages

There are various advantages of opting for a flat roof for your home. However, it is not without some drawbacks. Some of the most common problems that homeowners face with flat roofs are:

• Not reliable during cold weather

While flat roofs are perfect for summers, if your region has long and harsh winters, you may have trouble with the flat roofs. If your roof accumulates water and gets frozen during winters, you may have leaks and other water logging issues. So, when choosing a flat roof for cold weather, you need to look for waterproofing options along with roof installation. 

• Early replacement

Most slanting roofs have a lifespan of 20 years or more. However, with flat roofs, the life expectancy is not more than 10-12 years. You will have to get it replaced after that. 

• Green roof issues

If you set up a green garden atop your flat roof, you may face invasive plant roots. Therefore, you need to take prior precautions to prevent that.

About Christopher Home Improvement 

If you are looking for a reputable and professional roofing contractor to install and maintain your roof, Christopher Home Improvement should be your one-stop destination. We have served the residents and businesses in Connecticut and Rhode Island for over 16 years. Call us at 860-381-9336 or fill out our contact form to get free roofing, siding, gutter, or home window installation and repair ​estimate.