Flat roofs are one of the three most common types of roofs. They are affordable, space-efficient, low-maintenance and great for urban areas. They are also sleek and modern.
Do you want to know more? Then, keep reading because this article will cover the basics. It will tell you what a flat roof is, explore the tips and discuss the pros and cons.
What is a Flat Roof?
A flat roof is a type of roof that is level (aka flat) instead of pitched and inclined. However, no flat roof is not totally flat. There is a slight inclination that allows water to run off.
What Are The Types of Flat Roofs?
There are different types of flat roofs. Each of them possesses unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most common types:
Cold Roofs
A cold roof is a flat roof with insulation between the joists. This is in contrast to warm roofs, which have their insulation placed above each separate roof surface.
Cold roofs allow free circulation of air. However, this may allow cold air to enter the roofing area, which is not insulated.
Cold roofs are mostly used for residential buildings.
Warm Roofs
Warm roofs are designed to keep the building thermally insulated. They are a lot more thermally efficient.
Warm roofs have insulation placed above the roof deck, creating a warm and dry space. Warm roofs are mostly used for commercial buildings.
Inverted Roofs
Inverted roofs have insulation placed on the structural deck and waterproofing layer. This design provides excellent thermal performance.
The waterproofing layer further protects the roof from wear and tear caused by solar radiation. There is just one problem. It’s often difficult to locate defects on an inverted roof.
Hybrid Roofs
Hybrid roofs are a combination of the other different types. Here is how a hybrid of the cold and warm roof would be. Insulation would be laid under the surface, while a small area will be left for ventilation. This way, there is no need for a thick outer layer.
Hybrid roofs are effective and safe.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Flat Roofs?
Here are three pros and three cons of flat roofs
Pros of flat roofs
- Space-Saving:
Flat roofs give you premium loft space. There is also room for rooftop gardens or decks. You can also install solar panels and HVAC units on it.
- Low Maintenance
Flat roofs are easy to maintain and repair. Compared to their pitched counterparts, flat roofs are low maintenance. You can handle many of the maintenance and repair tasks yourself.
- Affordability
They are way more affordable than gable and hip roofs.
Cons of flat roofs
- Poor Drainage System
Drainage is poor. So, there may be issues of water pooling, which will eventually cause the roof to deteriorate and leak. This is the big advantage of pitched roofs. Because of their sloped sides, drainage is easier.
- Poor temperature regulation
Flat roofs absorb and lose heat too easily. Therefore, the temperature within the house will fluctuate more easily. For example, the house will easily get hot in the summer. Conversely, it will also easily get cold in winter. This will affect heating costs.
- Shorter Life Span
Flat roofs don’t last as long as gable and hip roofs. The average flat roof will only last for about 10 to 50 years. Felt roofs have the shortest life span, while EPDM roofs are the most durable. However, the latter is also more expensive.
Conclusion
Flat roofs are also affordable, low-maintenance and space-efficient. The main types are cold, warm, inverted and hybrid roofs. They all have their own unique design. They also have their pros and cons.
Once again, flat roofs are not totally flat. They have a slight slope to allow water to run off. However, their apparent flatness has a lot of benefits. For example, you can install a roof garden or deck. You can’t do this with a pitched roof.
On the other hand, flat roofs also have weaknesses. A flat roof has poorer drainage, temperature regulation and life span. Still, there are enough advantages to overshadow these cons. That’s why flat roofs are still relatively common.
Plus, if you hire roofing experts like Fixmyroof, you won’t have to worry about much. We are highly trained and experienced in building, repairing and replacing flat roofs.
