The Benefits of a Flat Roof

Flat roofs are most commonly seen on apartment buildings and commercial structures, but did you know they can be installed on homes? Unfortunately, flat roofs haven't always had a great reputation, mainly because of their low resistance to heavy rain. The good news is modern technology has extended the life of flat roofs thanks to the innovative, durable and waterproof materials they are now made of. Flat roofs have really grown in popularity over the last few years, which is why you see them on more homes than ever. If you're looking for a new roof, you may want to consider a flat roof! But what are the benefits of a flat roof? Let's go over them!

A common reason homeowners choose flat roofs for their homes is their versatility. A flat roof can be used for many applications, from commercial buildings and residential homes to community facilities. The versatility of this type of construction allows for several different types and styles of flat roofs. Flat roofs are perfect for installing a roof deck or a rooftop garden/living roof, which can help maximize your home's outdoor space. Flat roofs provide an excellent opportunity for energy efficiency in your home because they are one of the best types of roofs to install solar panels on! With this advantage alone, it's easy to see why flat roofs are becoming more popular.

Flat roofs are easy to maintain and clean. Because of their very low pitch, it is easy to get up on your roof and perform simple maintenance tasks like cleaning debris off or cleaning the gutters. Cleaning a flat roof is as simple as brushing the leaves and debris off with a broom! If you have algae or moss that needs to be cleaned off with water, a pressure washer is a great way to do it! Flat roofs are waterproof, so there is no worry of water seeping into your roofing system or home and causing damage. And because flat roofs have a very low slope, any excess water will drain into the gutters. Because maintenance is easy, homeowners can keep their roofs clear of moss, algae and debris, which will help extend the lifespan of their flat roofs!

Flat roofs are more energy efficient than sloped roofs because they have a higher insulation value. Flat roofs utilize thermally efficient materials that help prevent heat loss through the roof and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home throughout the year. Flat roofs are also more energy efficient than sloped roofs because they have less surface area exposed to sunlight and wind, thus keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. As we mentioned above, flat roofs are perfect for installing solar panels, which can maximize the energy efficiency of your flat roof.

A new roof can be expensive. When it comes to flat roofing, the average price is usually about half the cost of other types of roofs! Flat roofs are cheaper to install because they're so easy to put on and take off, but they can also save you money in maintenance costs down the road. The flat roof installation process is also easier than installing other types of roofing. They also have fewer layers, which means less work for the installation crew to go through when it comes time for them to begin putting the roof on your home. Flat roofs are also less expensive when it comes to heating and cooling costs because there isn't any extra insulation (like some sloped roofs might require). The same goes for repairs; instead of replacing large sections of your home's structure when something happens below ground level, like with sloped roofs, only part of your flat surface may need fixing here instead--and again--that means less money spent!

The lifespan of a flat roof is determined by the quality of the materials used to construct it, as well as how well it's installed and maintained. A well-cared for and maintained flat roof can last up to 30 years! Another great benefit of flat roofs is their durability. Because they aren't steeply pitched, they don't have as many angles and edges that can be damaged by wind or hail. Flat roofs are durable because they don't have vertical surfaces that collect debris. Because there aren't any corners where water can pool on your roof and cause damage from freezing temperatures when it thaws out (such as with gable roofs), flat roofs are resistant to ice dams and snow accumulation. Also, they're made with materials that resist degradation from ultraviolet radiation and inclement weather conditions such as wind and rain; this means they won't suffer damage from wear and tear like many other types of structures over time. Flat roofs also resist fire because they lack combustible materials like wood and other organic materials. 

As you can see, flat roofs are an excellent option for your home. They are durable and long-lasting, withstanding weather conditions such as snow and rain. A flat roof can also be insulated for energy efficiency or installed with solar panels for renewable energy production. In addition, flat roofs often have lower costs than other types of roofs because they require less labour when installing the material on top of them. Flat roofs offer many benefits compared to sloped ones—and they even look nice! At United Roofing & Exteriors, we offer flat roof installation, maintenance and repairs for residential, commercial and industrial customers! If you need a flat roof, we've got you covered. Contact us today!