Roofing Advice: Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof

Roofing Advice: Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof

If you are building a new home or are looking at adding an extension, one of the most important components will be the roof. You have two basic choices when it comes to your roof: flat or pitched. Here is a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Flat Roofing

Advantages

The reason many home owners opt for flat roofing for a garage or extension is that they do tend to be more affordable. You do not have to worry about the esthetics of a flat roof and therefore you are saving money on things such as shingles. Flat roofs are also easier to build which can save you money. Flat roofing can be sealed with a single membrane in most cases and will also not affect the foundations and weight of a structure. Flat roofing repairs and replacement is also more affordable when required.

Disadvantages

Flat roofing will tend to hold pools of water as they lack a slope for run off. This means they can be more prone to leaks. However this can be avoided with the help of a proper professional roofing company who will use the proper materials to avoid leaking, and will provide the required slope. As well rain, Ottawa home owners also tend to have high average snowfall, which can increase the weight roof and may cause structural issues. If this is the case it is a good idea to hire a professional roofing company to clear the snow for you.Also if you are looking out onto a flat roof it doesn’t always have the same charm of a sloped or gabled  roof. Flat roofs tend to heat a room as they do not deflect sunlight and do not provide ventilation.

Sloped Roofing

Advantages

Sloped roofing will add a more charming look to your home as well as offer a nicer view from floors above. Sloped roofing allows for better run off and can hold the weight of snow better than flat roofing. You can also use sloped roofing to create added living space such as a playroom or master suite in the loft area. With less space you can use the loft area for storage. Sloped roofs allow air to circulate which will keep your new space cooler.

Disadvantages

Sloped roofs are more expensive and can place more of a burden on the foundations. This may affect your permit and your ability to use a sloped roof.

As you can see there are advantages and disadvantages to both flat and sloped roofing.


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