Who knows who spread the rumor, but flat roofs have a bad reputation in residential neighborhoods! Seldom do you see homes with flat roofs, right? Flat roofs are reserved for commercial facilities alone – at least, they were until recently. And then, we all started noticing houses with flat roofs popping, especially the minimalistic ones. Maybe – just maybe, flat roofs are not bad at all for homes too. So, if you bought or plan to buy a house with a flat roof, no need to exclude it from your why-not-list just yet. It’s time to see why a flat roof may be okay for your residence, but also take into account the considerations. Ready?
The flat roof myth of being flat
Flat roofs are not flat. They may be flat to the eye but they actually have a tiny pitch. There’s usually a ¼” per foot slope, just to let water flow. Speaking of which, watershed is actually one of the main considerations when it comes to flat roofs. Let’s see.
The flat roof drainage consideration
In spite of the small slope, flat roofs are still flat compared to high pitched roofs. In other words, if we want to compare the two, high sloped roofs will be the winners when it comes to how easy and how quickly rainwater may shed. Drainage can indeed be a problem. This is the main disadvantage of flat roofs. And the problems tend to get worse when there’s some heavy rainfall in which case water can easily pool on the roof since it won’t flow as it would on pitched roofs, putting extra load to the structure.
As you can see, the drainage problem may give birth to two more problems. The first is the obvious: leakage. The standing water may end up inside. It will also increase moisture and if it pools, mold may build up. The second problem has to do with the structure’s integrity. Will the roof hold if it rains or snows for days?
These are both serious considerations – something you must seriously take into account and examine before you buy a house with a flat roof. Of course, nowadays, there are solutions. There are drainage systems and all sorts of mechanisms a roofer may suggest to help water shed faster and easier. But flat roofs will never be pitched roofs.
Naturally, all that – both the drainage and integrity considerations, is subject to the roof’s quality. Also, the materials used for the roof construction and how well everything was installed. Because if you can be sure of the excellent quality of the roof and of the roof installation, you will not have a problem with its stability and may solve the drainage issue.
The flat roof durability question
The way a flat roof is built and installed determines its durability, integrity, and overall strengths. But that’s true for all types of roofs. Who wouldn’t say the same for a high sloped roof? As all roofs, the underlayment, sealing, and the quality of all components make all the difference. Plus, the experience of the roofers who install it.
The flat roof repair is about to be easy
Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs are easy to step on. Finally, a roof you can climb on – assuming you can and you want, and walk on it without fearing about falling and slipping. This helps you, how? Well, you can go up to check the roof. It will be easier for the roofers too who can easily walk on the flat surface, check the roof’s condition, and do the required roof repairs.
The things you can do with a flat roof
Since you can step and walk on flat roofs, you can take advantage of that and make the area useful. How? You can build a garden – if possible and recommended for your home, making your residence green. Or, you can create a place where you can sit and relax. Or, you can simply take advantage of the flat surface to put a solar panel. But before you do anything at all or even buy the house, check with your local roofing contractor, putting emphasis and giving priority to the roof’s integrity.
