Whether you’re shopping for a house, planning a major renovation, or simply looking to replace an existing roof, one of the most important questions to consider is roof design.
In addition to keeping the rain and snow out, your roof plays an important structural role. It has an impact on everything from energy efficiency to drainage. For this reason, you’ll want to understand the pros and cons of different roof styles so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you.
This guide will provide a short outline of some of the key features of flat and pitched roofs so you can approach the issue in a more informed way.
Flat Roof:
Flat roofs have long been a popular option in dense urban areas where space is at a premium. Still, they are increasingly being used in suburban developments as well.
A home with a pitched roof can be renovated to install a flat roof, and this has become a particularly common practice in re-builds in places like Toronto, where maximizing space is important—understanding the advantages of this style of the roof helps to explain why.
Pros:
- Faster and cheaper to install
- Wide range of materials available
- Easier to access and inspect
- More environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Shorter life span
- Requires more regular maintenance
- Prone to drainage problems
- Less space for insulation
- Less structural stability
If you are considering installing a flat roof, get in touch with a local professional roofing company if you want detailed information on the pros and cons of flat roofs in your specific region, as climate can impact flat roof functionality.
Pitched Roof:
In temperate regions, pitched roofs are still the default style, prized for their classic look and longevity. Like flat roofs, they come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Requires less maintenance
- Lasts significantly longer
- Greater structural stability
- More efficient drainage
- Enhanced curb appeal
- Can incorporate metal tiles and cedar shakes as well as asphalt shingles
Cons:
- Harder to access
- More expensive
- Longer installation time
- More prone to ice damming
- Limits building plans
Pitched roofs are adaptable to just about any climate, which is one of the reasons they have become so common. But the main advantage this style has is simply the fact that a good pitched roof only needs to be replaced every fifteen to twenty years with occasional light maintenance.
In many ways, the main question when considering flat vs. pitched is whether you would prefer cheaper, faster installation and a more hands-on approach to maintenance or want to make a significant one-time investment in your roof and then let it be.
If you want to know more about which option is best suited to your particular needs, get in touch with roofing contractors in Toronto who offer both flat and pitched roof installation and ask for a personalized consultation.
