Flat Roof Series 2: The Benefits Associated with Flat Roofs

There is a common misconception among many home-improvement contractors, residential builders, architects and building owners that flat roofs equal problems (See Series 1 for More). When planned and constructed correctly the reality is that a flat roof is easier to build and can cost less than a conventional pitched or sloped roof.

For large size buildings a flat roof is the only reasonable alternative. Additional design and engineering would be required to accommodate the structural weight of a pitched roof on a larger building and a building owner could expect a significant increase in the amount and cost of the roofing materials needed. Because of this building owners will often choose flat roofs to take advantage of the benefits flat roofing provides.

Benefits of Flat Roof Construction:

• Cost Effectiveness: Minimal surface area entails using fewer materials, less labor, and less time needed to construct the roofing. Flat roof costs for installation, repair, and replacements are typically much cheaper than their sloped roof counterparts.
• Safety and Accessibility: Although no roof is completely flat (flat roofs typically have a minor amount of degrees in slope for drainage purposes), roof repair, replacement, and gutter cleaning is easier and much safer than sloped roofs. In addition adding tapered sections with various material can add additional water flow to the roofing surface thereby extending the life of the roof. Green roofs are gaining popularity with environmentally conscious companies and organizations.
• Green Design: Buildings with a flat roof installed are ideal for placing solar panels because they receive a maximum amount of sunshine throughout the day.  In the proper regions, reflective roofing systems can have a profound impact relative to the cooling costs of buildings as well.
• Versatility: There are many building designs that go well with a flat roof in Dayton, such as Frank Lloyd Wright style houses, modern designs, southwestern styles with shingles, and more.
• Improved Interiors: Steep rooftops often create awkward wall space that cannot be used inside the building.  Typically a flat roof system will  eliminate this problem, giving you more space to work with.
• Forward Thinking: Flat styles make future floor additions less expensive and simpler, if needed.
• Options: Flat roofs are convenient for installing large HVAC equipment that otherwise would have to be installed on the ground. For residential buildings, a nearly even surface lends itself to becoming a terrace or garden.

When you compare all of the construction costs and environmental impacts, flat roofs far surpass any sloped roof in benefits. There is a catch, however. Flat roofs, if not properly installed with the best materials and well maintained, can be a building owner’s worst nightmare, which leads us to next week’s chapter in the series about outdated flat roofing systems.

It’s a given that a roof of any kind must always first protect your investment from the elements such as rain, snow, and even the sun’s heat. Otherwise, you won’t get to enjoy any of the potential benefits listed above.

As always, if you would like a free consultation and/or estimate on a flat roof, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (937) 222-7855 or Click Here to email us.