As an average homeowner, seeing a modern home with a flat roof may seem odd and not fit your expectations. If you stop and think about the benefits of flat roofs, their impact on modern homes is easy to see. Having flat roofs on modern homes isn’t strange, and a recent analysis of residential sectors shows that many flat roof types will dominate the industry by 2031.
Since 2021, flat roofs have held a 59.7% share in the segment, prompting investors to take an interest in the residential sector. Industry data gives us one viewpoint on installing flat roofs on modern homes. Yet a better perspective might be understanding why flat roofs work so well for contemporary residences.
There are several different types of flat roofs, each fulfilling a specific benefit for that residence. As a homeowner, understanding the various options will help you make an informed decision when it’s time for a new roof or a replacement. Keep reading to better understand which flat roof type best suits your home.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Flat Roof Type
When choosing a suitable flat roof for a new home or renovation, homeowners can’t afford to take the decision lightly. Yet plenty of homeowners still make hasty decisions without considering all of the information. Instead, they should strive to understand flat roof materials types.
While no one expects homeowners to become expert roofers overnight, they need to understand which materials can save them money. Perhaps the most important factor is understanding why certain roof types work best in specific regions. Homeowners can make unintentional mistakes that will lead to costly repairs and dissatisfaction.
Avoiding these mistakes is possible if homeowners stop:
- Dismissing Flat Roof Drainage Systems: All flat roofs need a suitable drainage system to assist them with displacing the water away from the structure. Without it, water can start pooling or leaking through roof seams.
- Ignoring the Local Climate: Buildings need different roof types depending on the local climate. Some flat roof types perform better under various environmental pressures than others. If homeowners choose a roof that is ill-suited to the local area, they may have costly leaks or high energy costs.
- Caring Only About the Cost: While caring about the budget is understandable, making it the main concern could convince homeowners to choose the cheapest option. Cheaper, lower-quality building materials are not always the best long-term solution.
By carefully considering your options, you can choose a flat roof that will provide years of reliable protection for your home.
Flat Roofs Types For Different Kinds of Homeowners
Even when homeowners live in the same region, their expectations for a home can vary widely. Homeowners base their living expectations on their lifestyle preferences. This is too broad, so let’s simplify it further.
Based on their budget, values, and priorities, we can make the roofing process more transparent by finding the best flat roof types for different homeowners:
- The Budget-Conscious Homeowner: Here is a homeowner who wants a cost-effective roofing solution that doesn’t compromise quality or durability. They want to maximize their investment without straining their finances. Built-up roofing (BUR) might be ideal for those seeking affordability and durability.
- The Eco-Friendly Homeowner: These homeowners put more value on roofing options that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. They want roofing options that lower their carbon footprint and support a healthier planet. If sustainability and energy efficiency are top priorities, green roofs or standing-seam metal roofs can reduce your environmental impact.
- The Low-Maintenance Homeowner: Many homeowners desire convenient and hassle-free living most of the time. Instead of high-value or quality materials, they want low-effort roofing materials. They want to focus less on upkeep and repairs to free up their time and resources for other priorities. These homeowners may consider PVC or other single-ply membrane roofs because they require less maintenance.
- The High-Performance Homeowner: There are many homeowners who only want the best in durability, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. They aren’t afraid to invest in a premium roofing solution for long-lasting performance. Standing seam metal and EDPM are appealing because of their longevity and durability.
- The Modern Homeowner: These are likely the most common homeowners today. They value style that reflects a contemporary design and want roofing options that complement their home’s modern architecture and enhance its curb appeal. For a sleek and contemporary look, modified bitumen roofing can be a visually appealing option with enhanced durability.
When choosing the best flat roof type, homeowners need to do their due diligence. They should consider the disadvantages of common flat roof types.
Disadvantages of These Flat Roof Types
While each flat roof type has advantages, that doesn’t mean they don’t have drawbacks in certain situations. A homeowner can desire a built-up roof only to realize that its maintenance challenges are more than they want to handle. Homeowners must investigate the potential downsides of these flat roof types before deciding.
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Although affordable and durable, BUR can be heavy. The job can also be a fire hazard because contractors need a blowtorch to adhere the materials together. So, BURs are not DIY-friendly and need skilled installers. BUR roofs may also be susceptible to leaks if maintenance is lacking.
- Green Flat Roofs: While eco-friendly and visually appealing, green flat roofs require a significant upfront investment, specialized drainage facilities, and ongoing maintenance. Green roofs may also be heavier and require more roof support.
- Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO): These flat roof types provide homes with excellent durability and energy efficiency. Like other roof types, they are ill-suited for areas with intense heat, and the seams can crack or bust. If a fire is nearby, a TPO flat roof may be in trouble as it isn’t as fire-resistant as other options.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): While these flat roofs are well-known for their fire resistance and durability, they won’t withstand punctures. When contractors come out for maintenance, they may need to bring special adhesives for repairs. If puncture resistance is the deciding factor, then installing a TPO flat roof may be better.
- Modified Bitumen: While offering a modern aesthetic, affordability, and installation compared to BUR, modified bitumen is more fragile. It is still susceptible to punctures, hail damage, and UV. It is also not the best option for longevity.
When deciding on a suitable flat roof type for your home, it’s best to speak to a qualified contractor. They will help homeowners realize that climate predominantly affects which flat roof types work best. Installing a flat roof type ill-suited to your area wastes time and resources.
There is a solution that can help homeowners get an accurate estimate of the resources they will need to establish a home.
Get a Custom Estimate For Your Flat Roof Project
Thanks to their designs, flat roofs are versatile and can serve homeowners well. Yet, even though they are flexible, the benefits of a flat roof also have drawbacks. Still, it is possible to take the guesswork out of your project with Instant Roofer’s online collection of free, AI-powered tools.
Our free tools can help you avoid roofing challenges by providing fast and accurate estimates based on your project specifications. Whether you’re replacing an existing roof or planning a new construction project, our roof replacement cost calculator offers detailed breakdowns of costs and materials.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the Instant Roofer Website: Homeowners should visit our site and navigate to our roof replacement cost calculator or flat roof cost calculator to get free estimates.
- Your Project Details Are Important: Enter all the information you can about your home’s location, roof size, and desired roofing materials into the online form.
- Enjoy Your Instant Estimate in Seconds: Our free AI-powered cost calculators will analyze your project specs and generate a custom estimate.
- Review Your Roofing Options: Your instant estimate will feature a breakdown of costs and materials to help you understand what factors influence your estimate.
- Find Local Experts: Our online tools can help when you’re ready to move your project forward. The platform will use your data to connect you with highly qualified roofing contractors wherever you live.
Instant Roofer: Helping Homeowners Install the Best Flat Roof on Their Homes
Everyone wants a worry-free roofing experience, and Instant Roofer can help you get there. Knowledge is power in the roofing industry, and we operate every day with that belief in mind. We take our responsibilities to heart and want to provide homeowners assurance with accurate estimates using free, AI-powered tools.
You want to stop waiting for accurate estimates to make confident decisions about your roofing projects. Our tools can help you do that by restoring confidence and transparency in the roofing industry. Visit Instant Roofer and in seconds, your project will transform from a possibility to a reality.