As roofing solutions and materials continue to evolve, many people are wanting to stray away from the traditional sloping roof. Flat roofs have been popular for commercial buildings, but they are starting to appear in residential homes in recent years. The big question about flat roofs is if they are safe for homeowners to implement. Before you build a new home or hire a company for roof replacement, below are the pros and cons of flat roofs to consider.
Pros Of Flat Roofs
No matter what you are implementing in or around your home, there are always advantages and drawbacks. Whether it’s a roof, cabinets, siding, or furniture, there are options that will work best for you. Roofing is no exception, but here are some positive elements of flat roofs that make them appealing to most homeowners.
Affordability
The biggest advantage of implementing a flat roof for your home is that it is affordable to install and has affordable materials that can be used on your home. Finances can be a pain point for homeowners constantly.
Energy Efficiency
Having an energy-efficient home is important in the modern world. Installing a flat roof will help you save money when heating and cooling your home. Limiting how much air escapes through the roof means that your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard. Implementing a flat roof will make air circulation easier and prevent hot air build-up in your attic.
Easy To Clean
Climbing up on your roof to remove leaves or clean off mold is taxing. Flat roofs are much easier and safer to clean because they don’t slope. Because there is no slope to climb, this gives you easier access to pressure wash or sweep off any harmful debris. Less pitch also has its drawbacks though, including more difficult snow removal if you live in a cold climate.
Lower Repair Costs
In addition to lower installation costs, flat roofs also have lower repair costs. The materials for flat roofs are easily attainable and come at a much lower cost than other roofing materials so making small repairs is no big deal and could save you thousands.
Cons Of A Flat Roofing System
As mentioned above, everything has its pain points. When it comes to owning a home, there are many areas that will have more problems or risk for damage than others. Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, so choosing the right one for your climate and home design could save you some headaches down the road.
Unreliable In Cold Weather
No slope means accumulation of water on flat roofs. For colder climates with lots of rain and snow, this could lead to major damage or leaks in your home. Homeowners will need to stay on top of snow removal and check for water damage consistently to prevent leaks and water damage inside the home.
Drainage Issues
Sloped roofs with shingles help to drain excess water off the roof, but flat roofing systems need to be monitored consistently for puddling water. Your gutters do help while it is raining or snowing, but because you don’t have the assistance of gravity, a flat roof is more prone to large leaks.
High Need For Repairs Or Early Replacement
The average lifespan for flat roofs is around 10 years compared to around 20 for sloped roofs. This can be a reason for homeowners to switch to a more traditional roof, because damages and replacement are more common when you choose a roof without any pitch. Repairs on a flat roof may be more affordable, but having to make them constantly will end up being expensive in the long run.
Temperature Changes
Flat roofs provide less room for insulation, which means that extreme highs or lows could leave your home feeling uncomfortable. In mild climates that fluctuate between around 20-40 degree differences in temperature between seasons, flat roofs are ideal. In a state like Utah, Wyoming, or Colorado, the extreme shifts from hot to cold can be unsettling. Your flat roof could also be more susceptible to damage with these unpredictable weather changes as well.
Roofing From Experts At Kanga Roof
Our team of installers, experts, and technicians have been in the roofing industry for many years. We work to train new employees quickly and give them all the tools and skills needed to install quality roofs. Kanga Roof offers many services outside of roofing as well to help ensure your home is safe and comfortable. From metal siding to gutter replacement, you can get your home improved in one service from Kanga Roof.
