Pros and cons of flat roofing

Recommendation points

• Plus the first – the original appearance
• Plus the second – a flat roof is smaller in area than a pitched roof
• Plus the third – a flat roof is easier and faster to equip
• Plus the fourth – no need for a rafter system, less building materials will be needed
• Plus the fifth – there is an opportunity to get a recreation area on the roof

Flat roofs are a fairly popular option. Many people like them due to their “fresh”, modern look, the ability to equip an exploited roof. Our tips site is ready to figure out what are the advantages of flat roofs, what are the disadvantages, when and why it is worth abandoning this option..

The portal devoted a whole series of articles to flat roofs. In particular, we wrote about the sloping of a flat roof and the device of such a structure made of self-supporting insulated wire, that is, structurally insulated panels. But questions still remained. In particular, many homeowners have not decided whether to choose such a roof arrangement at all. Let’s deal with this topic.

Let’s agree this way – we will start with the plus of a flat roof, and then point out the drawback that can level it.

Plus the first – the original appearance

Yes, houses with flat roofs clearly look unusual. At least, unusual against the background of pitched neighbors. However, according to the designers, such a house needs a suitable environment. Just imagine the most ordinary cottage village. The houses are overwhelmingly finished with siding, fences – metal profiles, roofs – slate or metal tiles, buildings are crowded, plots are small, with vegetable gardens, the road is narrow, there are no picturesque objects. Want to admire such a landscape from your flat roof? What will a “cubic” house look like, surrounded by standard neighbors? That’s right, out of place, like a white crow. And this is not always good, believe me! So a flat roof with a lawn and a seating area will simply flaunt you to all the neighbors that you have to watch from above..

Plus the second – a flat roof is smaller in area than a pitched roof

Yes, this is true. However, remember that flat roofs appeared in the southern regions. There is no snow in winter, precipitation is also not so frequent, so there are much fewer problems. Yes, such roofs are not for our climate, we admit. Although, as experience shows, they quite got accustomed to themselves.

Plus the third – a flat roof is easier and faster to equip

Yes, all materials can be stored directly at the feet of builders, they work on a flat, level surface. Therefore, the process is faster and safer. However, the roofing “pie” itself turns out to be more complicated, special skills are required, be prepared for the fact that it will be more difficult to find performers who are ready to take on such work.

Plus the fourth – no need for a rafter system, less building materials will be needed

For this reason, many believe that flat roofing is cheaper. But the roofing “pie” includes vapor barrier, waterproofing, thermal insulation, finishing layer. And you can’t save on materials! Even a tiny flaw in the end can lead to serious problems, a leak will ruin the entire finish of the upper floor. Therefore, as a result, the cost of a flat roof may be even higher than that of a conventional pitched roof..

Plus the fifth – there is an opportunity to get a recreation area on the roof

Indeed, on a flat roof you can put sun loungers and sunbathe. Make an outdoor picnic area with a beautiful view. But this is only if the view is really beautiful! In addition, we warn that a flat roof must have slopes for water drainage – two centimeters per linear meter. Funnels are needed to collect water, but in winter they can freeze. Therefore, experts advise installing snow melting systems on a flat roof, equipping heating. And these are additional costs.

Let us state: the project of a house with a flat roof, of course, can be chosen even in the Russian climate. Such cubic houses look original, modern. However, it is necessary to carefully select materials and control the entire construction process so that the technology is followed, the roof is as reliable as possible. And the price of such a project may end up being no less than the construction of an ordinary pitched roof..