Flat roof vs. Pitched Roof: What's the difference?

There is no right or wrong way to choose the roof for your new structure. It all depends on your tastes, your budget and your plans. This article will give you an overview of the pros and cons of each type of roof and help you choose which one best suits your needs. Let's get started.

Pitched Roofs

Let's start by asking what a pitched roof is. Pitch roofs can be described as any roof that has a peak. These roofs are most common on older buildings such as churches and residential properties. These roofs create the triangular shape of the home's top and tall attics inside.

Why Choose Pitched Roofs?

Pitch roofs are prevalent, and there are many reasons to choose them. Apart from the extra space a pitched roof provides, there are other benefits.

Longer life span – Depending on the roofing material and shingles you use, an asphalt shingle pitched roof can last between 20 and 50 years. This is the most durable roofing option other than a metal pitched rooftop.

Less Maintenance -- Pitched roofing is designed to let rain and snowfall right off. Pitched roofs are built with inclines to decrease the roof's wear over time and reduce the risk of leaks as the roof ages. This design feature will ensure that your pitched roof will require far less maintenance over its lifetime than a flat roof.

Are there any downsides to pitched roofs?

A pitched roof has the disadvantage of requiring a higher upfront cost than a flat roof. A pitched roof is more expensive to install than a flat one. This is because it takes longer and requires more material. Despite this, you will likely pay less over the long term.

Another potential drawback is the aesthetics. Pitch roofs might not be suitable for you if your taste is modern and contemporary. It is more practical to tie the architectural style with flat roofing.

What's a Flat Roof?

A pitched roof is inclined, so it makes sense that a flat roof would be completely flat. Not quite. Flat roofs have a slightly higher slope than pitched roofs. However, this incline allows rain to flow into the gutters. Flat roofs are more common in commercial buildings than in modern homes.

Benefits of a Flat Roof

Most people think about two things when deciding the type of roof they want. Flat roofs offer a lot in both these areas.

Lower Cost - Flat roofs are less expensive to start with, as they use less material and are easier to install. Flat roofs are more appealing for commercial properties because of their lower cost.

While pitched roofs allow for triangular roofs and offer additional space, the top floors of buildings with flat roofs have more usable space and can be easily expanded vertically. Flat roofs are attractive for those who plan to expand their commercial properties or those who plan on building more rooms.

A cleaner look The trend toward minimalist lines makes flat roofs a popular choice for people who want a modern aesthetic.

Flat Roofs: What Are the Drawbacks?

Flat roofs are more cost-effective upfront and provide the aesthetics many homeowners and business owners desire, but they can also be less practical. This is due to:

Flat Roofs have a shorter life span -- A flat roof can last for approximately ten years, which is considerably less than a pitched roof's 20-year minimum. If you plan to live in the building for a long time, your roofing costs will be higher.

More Maintenance -- Flat roofs pose major structural problems, particularly in areas with a lot of snow and rainfall. Flat roofs don't do an excellent job of removing a lot of precipitation and can create puddles in various places, which can cause leaks over time. It is recommended that your roof be inspected at least once yearly to ensure any potential problems are addressed. Flat roofs are easy to maintain. While you might spend more on repairs, maintenance is usually not expensive.

Whether you are roofing a residential or commercial property, choosing a flat roof or a pitched roof can have long-term consequences on your building's maintenance. Rapid Roofers can help you decide which roof is right for you.