What to Look For In Your House’s Roof
The roof is one of the expensive features, therefore you must pay attention to it from the very beginning, and make sure to maintain and improve over time. Knowing how old the rooftop is quite helpful, and thus check it’s mold-free, and preferably have no curly edges or bulges. Even though the roof itself can be old, it still has the ability to serve you well for years ahead, yet inspect it in many ways, so you can be positive, it hasn’t been affected. An appropriate ventilation system, canal, and seepage will provide you peace of mind, whereas leaks, breaks, and molds will certainly become a pain in the neck if overlooked.
Ideally, you can hire an expert to do a proper check-up followed by a report. In this case, you can see clearly if the changes need to be made and hot to do in a more affordable and convenient manner.
Why Should You Choose Flat Roofs?
Cost-efficiency
Flat roofs generally cost less than pitched roofs. For example, getting a single-ply flat roof on a 900 square foot area will cost approximately $7000 while the same pitched roof will cost $9000. However, this price applies to the initial installation cost and not maintenance and repair costs. You can still use the money you save upfront to keep your roof in good condition and minimize repairs.
More usable space
Other than protecting the house, flat roofs can also serve many other purposes. You can turn it into anything you want, from a relaxation area to an entertaining one. If you have a flat roof on your commercial building, converting it into a relaxation space can increase the productivity of your employees. For residential properties, the roof can be your go-to place when you need to unwind after a long day at work.
You could also turn it into a garden and get more benefits with energy conservation while enhancing attraction. Alternatively, you can turn the roof into an extra office space where you meet with your clients out of the normal workplace.
Your designer can help you come up with many other ideas. Whatever you choose, make sure it matches your future goals for the property.
HVAC installation area
Placing your HVAC unit on the ground is always the easiest option, but it isn’t the safest and fastest unless you hire a professional HVAC contractor. It makes it susceptible to damage by other appliances, trees, or even human error.
A flat roof provides a good alternative area for installing such units. Determine that the roof structure can withstand the weight and size of the unit before the install. The installation should also be done correctly to prevent low spots that can cause water to paddle.
Quicker installations
Flat roof installation is not time-consuming because of its design. It doesn’t require intensive labour, but expertise is still crucial.
The entire process also involves the use of fewer materials and equipment. You can continue with your normal routines as the contractor works on the roof, which is essential for flat roofs on commercial properties.
Disadvantages of Flat Roof
Drainage issues
Flat roofs often experience a lot of drainage-related problems because of their low pitch. Water may pool on them for days after it rains, and the problems will worsen during the rainy season. This problem is usually prevalent on roofs that are poorly installed without functional drainage systems.
A good maintenance routine with regular inspections is usually good enough to keep such problems at bay. Hire a good roofing company that will make sure the roof remains perfect all year long. Such companies tend to offer warranties for their products and services.
Limited style options
Flat roofs cannot have diverse styles and colours like pitched ones. The common colours used on these roofs are grey, black, and white, which may seem dull in a neighbourhood with flat roofs. The only way to keep the roof looking great will be to replace it when it starts to wear out.
Less indoor spaces
You can get more outdoor living space with a flat roof, but the indoor space will be limited. It’s impossible to create a loft or an attic with roofs, and they don’t blend in as easily in neighbourhoods that have pitched roofs.
Other disadvantages are:
- Lack of enough room for insulation installation, which can cause damages during extreme seasons.
- Lack of structural strength to withstand more weight. The structural integrity has to be reinforced in another way to increase the safety of the house.
- Extra features may be necessary to enhance drainage, which can be very costly.
Consider all the advantages and disadvantages of flat roofs when thinking about installing one.
Other Additional Factors to consider
Additional factors that may affect your flat roofs include:
Insurance policies
Many insurance companies fear giving covers for flat roofs because of their susceptibility to leaks. The ones that do have very high premiums that some homeowners may not afford.
However, you can get better insurance rates if you use metal sheets on your roof. They are resistant to fire, they don’t encourage snow build-up in winter, have a longer lifespan, and can withstand hail and storms.
Heat absorption
The low pitch on flat roofs leaves a larger surface exposed to the sun. During summer, the roof will absorb and retain extra heat that will increase your air conditioning use. The best solution is to have a reflective coating to reduce heat absorption.
Increased maintenance and repairs
Flat roofs don’t last long without regular maintenance. The main issue is usually about ineffective drainage. They have to be inspected and cleaned regularly to make them as effective as the drainage on pitched roofs.
These roofs also need regular repairs because they rely on sealants to withstand the weather. The waterproof and reflective seals must always be in perfect working condition to prevent extensive damages.
Without regular maintenance and inspections, you may miss an important sign, which can lead to more problems and repair costs.
Consult a reputable roofing contractor near you if you’re unsure about the proper measures to take to keep your roof functional. You can also get expert advice if you’re not sure about an appropriate roofing structure for your property.
Conclusion
They are also a good option if you want to add an extension to the existing property or replace an outdated roof design with a modern one.
It is also a good option if you have a corrugated tin roof and want to comply with the building regulations. However, before installing this roof, you must be ready to handle the disadvantages mentioned above and understand that they may not be practical in every situation.
Create a plan and a good design for the roof before attempting to make any huge changes. Consider the practicality and structural integrity of the roof to ensure the design caters to your plans. For instance, if you want to have an HVAC there or create a liveable space, the design should have all the considerations for those functionalities.
Involve a roofing company in the planning, and if possible, get a second opinion from another company. Most roofers take pride in helping property owners make the right decisions and will, therefore, not give you the wrong advice.
Do your research as well, so you’re not blindsided. By having detailed information and a well-structured plan for the type of roof you want, you’ll avoid major problems related to inadequate preparation.
