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May 29, 2019

Differences between Flat Roofs & Pitched Roofs

When choosing the right roofing system for your home or commercial building, it’s important that you consider the pros and cons of each. To help you make an informed decision, we have outlined the major differences between flat roofs and pitched roofs. For more information, we recommend you contact a licensed roofing contractor in your area.

VULNERABILITY TO LEAKS

It’s important to understand that flat roofs aren’t entirely flat. They are constructed to have a slight slope, which helps prevent water from standing on your roof. However, pitched roofs have a much sharper slope to effectively divert water out and away from your home or industrial building.

Advantages of pitched roofs include being more resistant against leaks. In areas with heavy rainfall, you might want to consider pitched roof installation. An experienced roofing installation contractor will make sure to install proper roof drainage systems so that you won’t have water collecting on your roof.

While a qualified flat roof installer will make sure that your flat roof has the proper slope and drainage system, it will still be more vulnerable to water damage than a pitched roof system. Pitched roofs use gravity and drainage systems to direct rainfall out and away from your home.

INSTALLATION AND REPAIR EXPENSES

Do you want to pay less now, or pay less in the long run? This is ultimately what you need to ask yourself. Pitched roofs are more expensive to install than flat roofs. However, subsequent pitched roof repairs are often less expensive than their flat roof counterparts.

If an issue comes up with your roof, it’s easy for a licensed roofing repair contractor to inspect your pitched roof from the ground to quickly determine if repairs are needed. Keep in mind that flat roofs are more vulnerable to leaks and will need more repairs than a pitched roofing system. A reputable roofing contractor will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate for roofing installation or repair.

OPEN SPACE

Flat roofing systems can be appealing to homeowners because they don’t cut into interior spaces like pitched roofs. For example, it’s not uncommon for an upstairs bedroom or bathroom tucked under the eaves to have a sloped ceiling. Sloped ceilings can limit where you place tall furniture. With a flat roof system, there are no sloped ceilings cutting into your living space.

Flat roofing systems also allow you to use the space on your rooftop. For example, a homeowner with a green thumb may want to plant a rooftop garden. Another example may be an industrial building owner who wants to install a rooftop heating and cooling system. On the other hand, pitched roofs give homeowners the opportunity to add a finished attic or loft to their living space.

If you are interested in our commercial roof installation services, please feel free to give us a call at (800) 843-6561. The Lansing roofing installation contractors at Superior Services are dedicated toward helping customers just like you prolong the lives of their new roofing systems.