When it comes to choosing your roofing option, there are a lot of things to consider. If you're in the midst of a home construction project, your roofing contractor may have mentioned the possibility of flat roofing. Since most homeowners are more familiar with the traditional sloped roofing, you may not be sure what to think about incorporating a flat roof on your home. Here are a few things to consider to help you decide if flat roofing is right for you.
1. Cost-Effective
Flat roofing is cheaper to install than sloped roofing. Most sloped roofing is covered in shingles, tiles, or small roofing sheets. Flat roofing is manufactured in rolls, making it faster and easier to install. This saves you money in your installation costs because of reduced time and labor demand. Additionally, flat roofing doesn't come with the same safety hazards as working on a sloped roof, which means you'll have less expense related to the hazard insurance.
2. Durable
Sloped, shingle roofing is vulnerable to a lot of different hazards. Not only is the seam between each shingle vulnerable to leaks, but the shingles can be susceptible to lifting, cracking, or breaking free in extreme weather situations. You'll want to talk with your roofing contractor about the weather hazards where you live to determine if your roof is at risk from high winds, severe rains, or other similar hazards. If so, you may find that flat roofing is a better investment from a durability standpoint.
3. Versatile
When you opt for a flat roof instead of a sloped roof, you have greater versatility in your use of that roof space. If you want to install an air conditioner or plant a garden on the roof, a flat roof will allow for this. Just make sure you discuss it with your roofing contractor ahead of time so that he or she can ensure that the necessary supports are incorporated to ensure stability with any added weight on the roof.
4. Non-Obstructive
Especially if you're building a home somewhere where visibility is important, such as in a scenic area, you'll want to choose a roof that doesn't obstruct your view. A sloped roof will extend upward, blocking some of your view of the landscape and the area. Opting for a flat roof, on the other hand, ensures that you have a clear line of sight over your home without a roof peak in the way.
Talk with your roofing contractor today about these and the many other benefits of flat roofing to decide if it's the right investment for your home construction project.
