Is Flat Roofing the Right Choice for Your Home?
Of all the various types of roofs for homes and other buildings, flat roofing is one of the most controversial. Flat roofs are commonly used on outbuildings and large structures, and each roof has its own challenges and needs. So, in order to determine if a flat roof is the right choice for your home, you need to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages.
The Advantages of Flat Roofing
One of the most significant advantages offered with flat roofing is the cost. From the initial build and installation to the roofing materials commonly used, a flat roof is a relatively cheap option. Many materials used in the installation of a flat roof are very inexpensive, which makes it affordable for both installation and upkeep.
Another advantage of installing a flat roof is that you can make use of the roof space. You can plant a rooftop garden, create a living roof, or install solar panels. This can add valuable space to your property, particularly where outside space is limited.
In addition to being a more flexible exterior, flat roofing allows you to have a more versatile interior space. Without the sloping walls produced by a traditional pitched roof, you can create a finished attic or larger top apartment space. This is a fantastic option in a home where interior space needs to be maximised.
A flat roof also allows greater accessibility compared to a traditional sloped roof. This makes performing repairs, cleaning gutters or even installing solar panels or satellite dishes easier and less costly.
The Disadvantages of Flat Roofing
While flat roofing offers some fantastic advantages, you should also be aware that there are some potential disadvantages. The biggest potential drawback is a lack of drainage. Although a flat roof will drain, they are not as efficient for draining compared to any type of pitched roof. This means that water does have a tendency to pool and remain on the roof. This can eventually lead to leaks or materials breaking down, particular along any seams.
Another potential disadvantage is that there is a lack of options for roofing materials. Most flat roof installations use rolled roofing materials such as EPDM, rubber, bitumen or TPO. While these materials are relatively inexpensive, most have a lifespan limited to between ten and fifteen years. Rubber shingles can be installed with rolled rubber roofing to increase lifespan, and there are other new materials including PVC or polycarbonate roofing that can provide style options and can make the roof last longer.
However, these materials tend to be more costly, and due to the lack of history, it is difficult to predict the lifespan you can expect.
Is a Flat Roof Right For Your Property?
Flat roofing may not be the most stylish roof choice, but it does offer some unique advantages. If you’re still unsure whether a flat roof is the right choice for your property, you should speak to a reputable roofer. Our recommended roofing professionals would be delighted to assess your property and help you determine if a flat roof would be the right option for your property.
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Recent Reviews About The Roofers
First class service from start to finish. Alan called within about 10 minutes of my online request, looked at roof the next day as promised and called with findings and quote. Arrived to do job on the exact day that he said he would and completed job. Would definitely recommend without hesitation!
Elaine More
Very swift response from Louis, followed by speedy and successful repairs at a reasonable price . Very efficient, knowledgeable and friendly team. Would use them again and recommend to others.
Anonymous
Have used L and M a few times now for several different properties. Outstanding service each time and managed to find and repair faults that others could not. Highly recommend!!!
Anonymous
I called Louis when I was horrified to discover I was missing a tile on my roof and I had 1 sq ft hole in my roof. He came by the same day, within a couple of hours, climbed onto the roof and replaced the tile within 5 minutes! He then declined payment in favour of a good review here. So, once again, many thanks Louis - you're a lifesaver!!
Anonymous
So glad we have found a roofer which we can call upon for any future roofing works. Pleasant, honest and genuinely a nice guy. The job was done promptly and he even left us some extra tiles as spares. Thank you Louis for responding to our enquiry so quickly! Job satisfaction 100%! Would not hesitate to recommend.
Anonymous
Thank you Louis and your team Lloyd Scott &Fred you were all very polite,cheerful,and friendly and nothing was too much trouble.You informed us of what would happen from start to finish with the roof and what a great job you have made of it.Everything was swept and tidied away after a days work.If we could give you more than ten out of ten we would.We cant praise you highly enough for the work you have done.We would recommend you to anyone.A brillant roofing company.Thank you. Val and Gordon Dicks
Val
Louis came the next day for a quote, which was reasonable and fixed out roof tile quickly, very happy with the service. Would use again.
Anonymous
A+ roofer, will definitely use again.
Buckland
Louis provided a fantastic service, he was able to visit us the day after I asked for his help, and called beforehand to say he was on his way. A section of the wire mesh protecting our solar panels had come loose. Louis carefully repaired it so that we don't have to worry about those pesky squirrels and pigeons making a nest. Excellent job, so friendly and courteous. Thank you Louis. Would 100% recommend.
Eastney
The company was exquisite and delivered a quality service. They were nothing but friendly and honest. Everything was delivered on time, especially in the hot weather, and to an exceptional standard. I would have no problem recommending Lewis and his team again as they are experts at what they do.
Cosham
This is the third time we have used Louis. Another exceptional job carried out on my property. Will definately use again and will highly recommend to friends and family.
Anonymous
Louis came the next day for a quote, which was reasonable and fixed out roof tile quickly, very happy with the service. Would use again.
Anonymous
Louis came out promptly to quote. He was very knowledgeable, and suggested with the age of the roof it would be better to replace rather than repair. I am glad we did as the roof did not have any boarding and there had been signs of water damage where the roof joined the garage. He arranged a team to clear the Debris before he started to lay the new roof, so the area was kept clean and clear. Louis and his team were very polite and nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend them.
Hampshire
Paul and his team recently replaced our roof. They did an excellent job, carrying out the work in a professional and friendly way. I will be recommending Paul to our friends, family and neighbours.
Andy B
Quick to respond and turned up on time with work completed Can't fault these guys at all will definitely recommend and use them again
Neil Mitchell
We found Michael very knowledgeable and a excellent worker very clean and tidy at the end of a job would highly recommend him to anyone .
Patricia york
Brilliant job done, kept us informed every step of the process and the price was price paid, great people to deal with always on time. Cleaned up during and after job done. Full roof replaced at a great price and would have no hesitation using the company again or recommending them to friends and family or anyone who needs work on there roof. 5 STAR SERVICE
John
Can't fault the professional and personal approach from C.R.S Roofing. When you're putting your trust in someone coming to your home and carrying out works than can be expensive and time-consuming, it's crucial you have someone who communicates well, often and appropriately; doesn't feed you excuses but is upfront and honest; arrives when they say they're going to arrive; and do what they say they're going to do, at the agreed price and time, and to a high standard. C.R.S Roofing did all of this. We required a chimney and old skylight to be taken away, with a velux window and new skylight fitted. This was done quickly, with minimal disruption or mess, and we are very happy with the results. Any delays or issues were quickly raised, discussed and mitigated. Highly recommended.
Alan B
Great and reliable service. Alan repaired my roof giving good advice and carrying out the work when he said he would. Will definitely use him again.
Neil
Very satisfied with work carried out on gutters. Competitive price, polite very pleasant to deal with. Will definitely use CRC Roofing again. Thanks.
Patricia
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