Ordinarily, when property owners mention the term, “flat roof,” it is often in relation to large high-rise buildings such as industrial buildings, factories, warehouses and any other structures. On the other hand, they are quite well known among business owners who are more used to them, particularly in commercial buildings. Yet, many homeowners do not know or understand the benefits of flat roofs are also quite useful in residential homes.
In contrast to a conventional house, homes with a more “modern-style” architecture are more amenable in the inclusion of flat roofs. In the residential sector, flat roofs had already been undertaken on modern style houses by contractors from the 1900s. Yet, thanks to the versatility of a flat roof, contractors can incorporate them into any style of housing, like executive and ranch-style homes, to accommodate the customer’s needs.
When considering a roof replacement, most property owners need to understand the benefits of a flat roof. To see how these benefits can apply to you, let’s explore flat roofs and why you should consider one.
Three Main Benefits of a Flat Roof
Like many business sectors today, the construction industry is not static. It changes all the time! As technology leaps forward or regulations change, contractors learn to adapt. Over the last few years, one of the latest industry developments has been the direct adoption of flat roofs.
Assuming you do not have a lot of knowledge about flat roofs, the first thing you will likely ask is: What happens to a flat roof when it rains? It is a misnomer to term these roofs ‘flat’ as they need a little angle or a pitch in order to drain the water properly. The type of flat roof drainage system will depend on the degree of the slope and other characteristics of the building’s design.
In any event, before you go ahead and draw the plans for a new construction or sit down for renovations, you should know the main benefits of a flat roof:
Flat Roofs Are More Affordable
Flat roofs are particularly inexpensive, both in terms of installation and maintenance, by virtue of their simple configuration and the less materials needed to put them up. If you are building an elegant modern house or if you are refurbishing your warehouse to save on future maintenance costs, a flat roof needs fewer materials to build. These roofs are also designed to tap on thermally efficient roof designs.
In fact flat roofs can even be more thermally efficient than pitched roofs. This is mainly because flat roofs employ layered membranes that are able to insulate the structure from external climatic conditions. This membrane reduces heat transfer from the outside, keeping the building cooler. Flat roofs also use rigid insulation instead of cavity insulation, like many sloped roof structures.
Rigid insulation is a continuous material with no gaps, which means it’s equally resistant to outside temperature fluctuations everywhere. Because of its broad, uninterrupted surface area, this roof type also has less overhead space to trap air. Less overhead space means that cool air doesn’t escape, and natural airflow through the building increases.
More airflow causes less stagnation and less wear and tear. Operating costs are a serious concern for businesses, but flat roof designs are straightforward, making determining the cost of one less demanding. Do you have an upcoming renovation or are installing a flat roof but need to know the costs upfront?
Use our intuitive Flat Roof Replacement Cost Calculator to get a fast, free, and accurate estimate of your potential project costs.
Flat Roofs Can Last Longer
Flat roofs, when maintained well, can be as old as any other conventional roof system be it in residential or commercial use. In fact, one of the best benefits of a flat roof is the length of time that it lasts. These roofs, when installed properly, have a lifespan of an average of 40 years as a result of use of highly durable construction and weather resistant materials.
The resilience of flat roofs can come from TPO and EPDM roofing styles. Both styles resist higher temperatures and damage from UV radiation. Let’s discuss them further:
- EDPM: is a highly elastic roof type made from synthetic rubber. The material allows the barrier to expand and contract without cracking, making it ideal for areas where heat aging and hail are problematic.
- TPO: is a flexible plastic and rubber-based roofing system that resists punctures. The material also reflects UV radiation, which can keep the building cooler.
Although sturdy, flat roofs need regular inspections to stay in good shape. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, this roof type has yet another advantage.
Flat Roofs are Simpler To Maintain
Because they are less complex, low-slope roofs are cheaper to install and replace. Flat roofs are simpler because they don’t have shingles or tiles to maintain. Roofers can inspect the roof for damage with less effort and clean it periodically during maintenance activities.
Flat roofs are easier to climb and walk on, which means roofers can navigate them more efficiently. The repair process goes much faster thanks to the accessibility of these roofing systems. Professional roofers can quickly pinpoint and remove damaged layers without dealing with other structures in the way.
How do you get a free estimate for a roof replacement?
You’ve just had a roof inspection, and the inspector recommended a total roof replacement. How do you decide to move forward? Responsible business owners make their best decisions when they’re informed.
When something as disruptive as a roof replacement happens, you need knowledge based on the state where you live, material type, and level of detail. That’s why our AI-powered proprietary roof replacement cost calculator can give you an accurate estimate in seconds. When using our calculator, you experience a stress-free process that provides a detailed cost estimate and suggests highly-rated contractors near you.
Finding Roofing Experts in Your State With Instant Roofer
At Instant Roofer, we’ve made it our mission to make roofing more accessible for homeowners and contractors by streamlining the process from start to finish. Through our suite of online products, we want to transform the interactions involved in roofing projects nationwide. It is of course understood that flat roofs have a number of benefits, property owners should still consult with a roofing contractor to determine if they are the best option for their home.
Our online tools can help property owners and contractors assess project requirements and understand the benefits of a flat roof through updated information. With our self-service options, you can find roofing experts in your state and get a comprehensive estimate to plan your next move.
Fact Checked by Josh Bernard 10/11/2024