Flat Vs. Pitched Roofs: Which Is Right for Your Home?
When building a new home, or renovating your existing one, you will have a lot of decisions to make. Sure, some of those you can postpone for a later stage, such as the decision on how to paint your walls. But, there are decisions that have to be made sooner rather than later, and that you can’t compromise on – such as the one regarding your roof. After all, the property won’t be usable without a roof, as it is perfectly clear to everyone.
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Anyway, when you come to this part of your design or renovation project, what you will have to do next is make some specific choices. For one thing, you’ll have to choose between a flat and a pitched roof. And, if you don’t really understand what the pros and the cons of both of these solutions are, you are highly unlikely to know which solution is best for your specific home.
So, what we are going to do right now is discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of both of these options, hoping to help you ultimately make up your mind. Once you get a clearer understanding of both of these structures, you will probably automatically get a better idea about which solution to select for your property. Let us, thus, start discussing this in more details.
The Pros and Cons of Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are most usually seen on contemporary homes, as well as commercial properties, and typically in urban buildings. You’re probably imagining a completely flat structure, in case you’re not sure you have seen these before. But, here is the thing. Despite what the name suggests, these do have a slight slope, which is actually essential for water drainage.
Now, one of the reasons why they are appealing to a lot of homeowners is because the installation process of these is highly affordable. If you’ve taken the time to understand roof replacement cost that you should expect, then you have figured out that the prices depend both on the type of the roof, the materials and similar things, as well as on the costs of labor, which are different for different types and sizes. So, since these are easier to install, the pros will charge less for the process.
In addition to the costs, these are also popular due to the modern, minimalistic style. They create a sleek and elegant appearance, which is why they are nowadays often seen on contemporary homes and buildings. Thus, aesthetics play a role here as well. Furthermore, these are easier to access and maintain, and then there’s also the fact that the space can be turned into rooftop gardens, outdoor lounges and similar usable areas.
Of course, these also come with some disadvantages, as every single solution does. For one thing, there are the drainage issues. Despite the slight slope, these can be prone to water pooling, which can lead to water damage, and some structural issues. Apart from that, they have a shorter lifespan when compared to the pitched solutions, and they also often tend to be quite expensive to maintain over time.
The Pros and Cons of Pitched Roofs
Pitched roofs, as opposed to the ones mentioned above, have a rather visible slope. And, this particular style tends to be rather common in traditional homes, especially those located in areas that have a lot of rainfall or snow. Let’s now quickly discuss their strong sides and their drawbacks.
First off, these offer highly efficient drainage, which is definitely a huge plus, as it reduces the risk of water damage. Then, they also allow for better insulation, which makes them more energy efficient. Additionally, built with highly durable materials, these can withstand all kinds of weather and are known to have a long lifespan. And, of course, their timeless look is bound to be quite appealing as well. Click this to read some more on these particular roofs.
Perhaps the biggest drawback is that the initial costs of installation are higher. Although, you’ll save on maintenance compared to the flat option, so this should balance out. Then, there is also the fact that these are difficult to access when talking of maintenance, meaning that you’ll often require professional assistance. And, unlike the one mentioned above, this particular roof type doesn’t offer any usable space that you could turn into an outdoor lounge or a similar space.
Which One Is Right for Your Home?
So, which particular style is right for your home specifically? Well, there are a few important factors to consider here in order to be able to answer that question for yourself. Think about your budget, your need for usable space, your aesthetic preferences, as well as about the actual environment you live in and, thus, the weather conditions. If you’re not sure you can make the right choice, make sure to discuss this with the pros before deciding on anything.
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