Flat Roofs

Summary: Flat roofs are less expensive than pitched roofs and will not block windows above. A flat roof has a slight inclination but water runs off freely.

Carl, Is building a flat roof style home practical in an area that has a lot of snow and rain in the winter time?

And, is the cost of the flat roof more or less than a pitched roof?

Thanks, Tony

Hi Tony, Flat roofs are practical in almost any climate if they are properly and professionally installed and maintained.

In heavy snow areas, flat roof maintenance may include snow removal if necessary. The weight of the snow on a flat roof is greater than on a pitched roof and the roof structure could fail. I don’t want to get into Physics, but this is due to vector forces.

But it is often easier to remove snow from a flat roof than a pitched roof.

Snow may also build up and run behind the roof flashing causing leaks. Heavy rains can have this effect as well.

The majority of flat roof leaks are due to the failure of the flashing, so flashing needs to be inspected and repaired frequently, as it should be on pitched roofs too.

Water in any form is a builder’s foe and most builders feel that flat roofs are like skylights; Both are architecturally pleasing and both will leak sooner or later without frequent maintenance.

Flat Roofs Advantages:

A Flat roof allows flexibility in 2nd floor window placement as can be seen in the photo below.

 

Photo courtesy of roofing.com

Flat Roofs Disadvantages:

A little higher maintenance for a flat roof perhaps, but sometimes some things are just worth it.

Hope this helps, Carl Heldmann