4 Top Benefits of a Flat Roof for Your Home
When it comes to roofing styles, it seems as if the options are limitless. One residential roof style that’s often overlooked, though, is a flat roof. This may be because flat roofs are typically associated with commercial buildings, causing people to steer clear of them when it comes to their home. No matter why flat roofs aren’t as popular for homes, it’s ultimately a shame, as flat roofs offer many benefits over their pitched counterparts. To help you understand if a flat roof is right for you, here are the top four benefits of a flat roof for your home.
Easier to Access
Falls off of pitched roofs are a significant risk for homeowners. If you have to access your roof every time your gutters are full, or you have a problem with your roof covering, you’ll be putting your life in danger if you have a pitched roof. Flat roofs, on the other hand, are easy to walk on, without any real risk of falling off. Plus, if you plan ahead, you can include an access door in your roof that eliminates the need for ladders.
Easier to Accessorize
If you plan on adding solar panels on your roof, then a flat roof is the best way to go. In some cases, flat roof installers can add the solar panels while they’re installing your roof. Since the roof is flat, the solar panels will be able to be precisely angled, allowing maximum sun exposure throughout the day. Plus, if you want to add any other accessories, such as a satellite dish or even a rooftop garden, a flat roof will make the job much easier.
Better at Draining
Although it may seem counterintuitive, a flat roof can be better at draining than a pitched roof. This is because a flat roof can be contoured in such a way as to precisely control the flow of water. This allows the water to flow exactly where you need it instead of relying on gravity to do the work as in the case of a pitched roof. Plus, with just a few collection points, you will have fewer gutters to detract from the appearance of your home.
Resistant to Damage
When strong winds strike during a storm, one of the first things to be ripped away from your home is the shingles. However, if you have a flat roof, this isn’t a concern, as flat roofs don’t use shingles for the roof covering. In many cases, flat roofs use crushed stone laid over a waterproof membrane as the covering, which is very unlikely to sustain any damage when severe weather hits your home.
If you choose a flat roof for your home, it’s important to find an architect who can properly handle the project. Since some home builders only ever deal with pitched roofs, they may not be properly prepared when you choose a flat-roof option. Consult with other flat-roof owners, then, so that you can find the best companies to ensure your flat-roof project is a success.