Are you planning a new roof for your property or deciding on the right roof for your extension? We can help. In this blog, we’re letting you know more about a flat roof vs a pitched roof.
A roof is a critical part of your home, so it’s a good idea to take your time and really think about which option will be the most suitable for you. There are many elements to consider, such as cost, materials, appearance and durability.
What is a flat roof?
All roofs have a slight incline on them. This is essential as it means that rain and other elements can slide off the roof rather than sitting on it. A roof is considered flat if the incline is less than 10 degrees.
Flat roofs are common for roof extensions or garages on homes. They can also be common in apartments, residential buildings, and commercial buildings. One reason for this is the ability to extend the apartment building by adding more homes. A flat roof extension makes this much simpler and allows for further expansion compared to a pitched roof extension.
Flat roofs allow for a rooftop garden or outdoor living space. Depending on the roofing material used, both flat and pitched roofs can be great for solar panels and are highly energy efficient.
What is a pitched roof?
A pitched roof is any roof with more than 10 degrees of incline. There are different types of pitched roofs, including single, doubles and butterflies. These roof types may also be referred to as a sloped roof. Our roofers in Preston can help you to identify the best roofing options.
What are the best materials for a roof?
When it comes to roof materials, you’ll want to consider their price and durability. Here are just some of the best materials for your roof.
- Tile
- Slate
- Metal
- Wood
- Composite materials
The roof’s surface should be durable and weather-resistant. High-quality insulation can also help to reduce energy costs in the home extension.
Flat roof advantages
Better materials: Flat roofs have become more durable over the years due to better materials. This means that people may be more likely to choose these flat roofs for their homes. Read our blog to find out: is a leaking roof covered by insurance?
Fast installation: One of the biggest advantages of having a flat roofing system is that it is fast to install on properties.
Affordable: In addition to them being faster to install, which reduces the costs for construction and installation, they also require fewer materials, so you can enjoy savings here too.
Compact: If you’re looking for ways to meet planning permission rules or make your home appear more compact, then a flat roof could be a great option to consider. When it comes to planning permission for extensions or garages, there may be specific height requirements for your property.
Disadvantages of a flat roof
Shorter lifespan: Although flat roofs are cheap to install and they do last longer now than they used to, they do not have the longest lifespan, which means they may need to be replaced more often than other roofing options. Read our blog on how long does a flat roof last?
Maintenance: Flat roofs do not have as much of an incline as pitched roofs, which means that some dirt and debris may remain on the roof. This means that more maintenance may be required to keep the roof in good condition following roof installation.
Advantages of a pitched roof
Longer lifespan: Pitched roofs are much more likely to last when compared to flat roofs. They are generally made from stronger materials.
Less maintenance: A pitched roof generally takes care of itself because it has more of a slope. More rainwater can slope off the roof to remove dirt and debris that finds itself up there. However, you will still need to complete some regular maintenance.
Extra space in the home: Sloped roofs can open the door to more opportunities in your home. For example, you may be able to gain more storage space or even create a stunning loft room.
Appearance: Many people prefer the look of a pitched roof as it is typically more of a modern, aesthetic option.
Disadvantages of a pitched roof
Pitched roof extension cost: Pitched roofs are more costly than flat roofs, but they can offer more significant benefits. As the homeowner, you will need to consider the options available and decide which one will be the most beneficial for you.
Planning permission: As we mentioned previously, there may be some rules and regulations to follow regarding planning permission for your home’s roof. You will need to be aware of these before making a decision.
Flat roof vs pitched roof: cost
Generally, pitched roofs are more costly than flat roofs, but they come with many additional benefits. You’ll have to weigh up whether the roof cost is worth it.
The cost of your flat roof or pitched roof will depend on many aspects, such as the size of your home, the location, the materials used and the type of roof you wish to have.
The best roof for your home depends on your property and personal preference. Make sure you consider all elements and get a final cost before making a decision. Be aware that additional costs may be required due to the need for more materials, but these should be outlined in advance.
When having a new roof on your property, you should always use reputable roofing companies. Our roofers in Blackpool will work closely with you to determine your requirements and build you a roof that meets your needs and looks great.
In addition to roof extensions and building, we can also support you with roof repairs and restoration.
We hope this blog has been useful regarding flat roofs vs pitched roofs. Please feel free to contact us for all of your roofing needs – our team will be more than happy to help.