The Advantages Of A Flat Roof

Flat roofs are often a very traditional feature of a building and remain very popular. They are particularly suitable for outbuildings and larger structures, but they are often maligned and dismissed as an outdated feature. Flat roofs certainly have a unique set of advantages, so let’s take a look at them and see what benefits you will get from installing a flat roof rather than an alternative style of roof.

Cost-Effective

The materials involved in installing a flat roof are relatively straightforward and therefore relatively good value for money. You typically require an under layer and a top layer, which can be a long-lasting single-ply membrane. A big advantage of flat roofs, and why these materials can be less expensive, is that they don’t need to be as attractive as a sloped or pitched roof material. A flat roof is not on show so doesn’t require as much ‘kerb appeal’. This helps with cost, but undoubtedly the biggest factor in making flat roofs cheaper is the installation costs. Installation of flat roofs is different as there is less risk involved and the roof is easier and safer to access. So work is often quicker and less complicated and hence can be better value.

Long lifespan

It is now possible to install PVC flat roofing materials with a much longer lifespan as the material is resistant to blistering, cracking and warping and does not allow the growth of moss or other plants. This is because the vapour is absorbed and hence the harsh weather a roof is exposed to does not affect a flat roof as much.

Environmental benefits

Flat roofs can be used for installing solar panels to reduce electricity costs and can also form the basis of a living garden.

Low maintenance

The ease of access of a flat roof makes it easy to clean gutters, carry out repairs and inspect for damage, and because of the design of the roof the structure is more stable and hence is less prone to wind damage.

Versatile space

As mentioned above, there are environmental benefits to a flat roof, but you can also store air conditioning units on the flat roof, and as long as the structure is solid enough, increasingly people are utilising a flat roof space for entertaining such as barbecues and using it as a proper outdoor space.   

Interior space

A building with a flat roof creates more space for the top floor room, particular in an apartment block or an attic room. Sloping roofs sometimes make the top floor space unliveable but a flat roof can make this room bigger and more practical for other uses.

So as you can see, the humble flat roof has many advantages which perhaps are not immediately obvious, but certainly, in the right setting a flat roof can open up many practical possibilities, save you money and provide cost-effective design solutions. Talk to Northern Roofline about a flat roof installation and our design experts can run through what benefits this will bring to your individual property.