Advantages
- Proper Space Utilization
This is one of the biggest benefits of flat roofs. It allows and leaves some room for you to maneuver and use the roof for varied purposes. A flat roof could be used as a small and bespoke office set up, garden, tiny playground, court, or a bay that can be employed for relaxation purposes. It is worth noting that a children’s playground on a flat roof is often discouraged for security reasons unless some proper measures are implemented to curtail any instances of possible injury or harm. The utilization of this space should ensure that all related dangers and hazards are exterminated to avoid rendering such a huge advantage a calamitous disadvantage. This advantage, therefore, makes a flat roof great as it can be used to fit the preferences and match the inclinations of the homeowner.
- Easy Maintenance
Definitively, they are flat hence easier to inspect and maintain as a result. This is as opposed to other kinds of roofing where the danger of falling is always present or imminent.
- Quicker Installation
The installation process is quite simple. It entails the use of minimal materials hence implying that the whole endeavor is less technical. Many people especially clients are usually hesitant as they fear that they will have to bring their occupancy to a temporary halt to proceed with the roof installation. However, with regard to the flat roofs, this is rarely the case since the project is completed quickly and devoid of any unwarranted interruptions. This is in stark contrast to pitched roofs, which require a lot of specialized equipment and materials to install hence consuming excess time from commencement to completion.
- Cost Effectiveness
They are sold at a much-subsidized cost compared to the other types of roofing. They help to ensure that you save a lot of money. This is in stark contrast to pitched roofs that are quite pricey and usually deemed to be a preserve of the elite due to affordability issues. Flat roofs are ideal for people with a limited budget or those who want to save up on all fronts so that they can dedicate or direct the extra amounts to some other house-related project.
Disadvantages
- Extreme Temperatures
They are usually associated with very poor insulation, which makes them prone and susceptible to extreme temperatures. The implication herein is that the roof can usually experience sudden changes in temperatures that vary significantly hence posing such a huge disadvantage to the occupier.
- Unaesthetically Pleasing
This is one of their most significant limitations. These roofs are not as appealing as the other types of roofing and are deemed by many to be very bland and boring, as they do not entail any sophistication or flashy and attractive colors. Anyone who craves an amazing stylish roof should definitely steer away from this as it could be slightly underwhelming in that regard.
- Structural Issues
Flat roofs are very fragile and unable to bear a huge load hence necessitating the installation of other reinforcements to avoid a potential collapse. This could result in an increment with regard to the money expended towards this project hence making this a big disadvantage.
- Leaks and Drainage Challenges
These roofs often encounter huge drainage issues compared to pitched roofs. They must be installed perfectly to avoid water stagnation as the slightest glitch could result in multiple puddles due to obstructions or hindrances pertaining to how the water should drain by following a specific path. This is a major obstacle, which can only be remedied by having the flat roof installed by a very experienced professional or through regular maintenance checks to try to remedy the issue from the onset.
We hope that this article gave you some insight into the pros and cons of flat roofs. If you are still not sure whether a flat roof is right for your home, please contact an expert for more information.
