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
We had been trying for weeks to have a hole in our roof mended. We asked for a call back on the Thursday. They called us back within a few minutes and came and fixed our roof Saturday. Will definitely use them for any other roofing repairs
Alison McKenna
Great service from Alan and his team. Kept us informed throughout. Would rehighly recommend.
Jane Reid
Very pleased with the new roof to our extension. Excellent communication - came out quickly to provide a quote - work done speedily and efficiently in very cold weather. Thank you.
Gary
Small job fixing ridge tiles. Good quality work, done promptly and at a fair price.
Dave Hoskins
On my journey to find what is the issue with my roof Michael came recommended by another very high ranking professional who deemed its best to get some roof work done before I attempt to clean moss. I have nothing but kind words to describe Michael's professionalism, knowledge and skill. He has a very sharp eye and can pinpoint anything wrong with the roof and is incredibly honest and clear on what options we have on how to attempt to do the work. He provides an update every day on what is done and what is left and is incredibly clean and tidy when doing the work. He has so much compassion of the family situation and provides options for work to be done to suit the family budget. He has been so kind, knowledgeable, and honest with us that he has made something as devastating as roof works in 2 months of moving in, for a first time buyer, something manageable. He is always on time and has prioritised to do work even when the temperatures were below 0 just to make sure our roof wasn't leaking with the bad weather saving us a lot of potential damage. He is very trustworthy and I would recommend him and use him again if needed.
Didi
I contacted L&M roofing on Saturday, the problem with the damaged chimney, we met on Sunday, we agreed on the work, on Monday it was already done, before and after photos, efficiently and professionally. Thank you I'm waiting for the first heavy rain 🙂
Sebastian
We lost a tile overnight in the recent storms - gave him a ring when we noticed it (on a wet & windy Saturday) - he was here within the hour and job completed 10mins after arriving. He was almost too embarrassed to charge us - but we were happy to pay for his service (and obviously did). Great guy and a great job done. Highly recommended - and such a nice chap as well. We will definitely use him again.
David Morgan
I can't praise Steve and his team highly enough. Exemplary standard of workmanship, courteous, punctual, tidy, considerate and reasonably priced. The work (replacing soffits, fascias & guttering) was completed on time, on budget and to the highest standard. The site was thoroughly cleaned before they left. I would unreservedly recommend giving Steve the chance to quote for your job and am sure that you won't be sorry.
Rogers
Very professional, Very happy with the end result. Would recommend 100%
Pam
Amazing from start to finish
Sophie
Would recommend SDB building. Communications are always excellent, and the team deliver high quality works on the promised timescale.
Stephen
Quick and efficient response to the major issue found when doing work, communications were excellent throughout the work, photos supplied of completed work which is very helpful. While not the cheapest or most expensive, work completed looks 5*, it was not rushed.
Steve
I needed some repairs to roof & drainpipes adjusting. Steve came as agreed, gave a competitive quote, was friendly & helpful offering good sound advice. His colleagues tidied up and seem to have resolved the problems. Thank you to him & his colleagues
Sue
Very helpful and thorough did a brilliant job and very friendly.. Would definitely use them again highly recommend
Christine
The work was delayed by weather but Steve kept me updated, and I was completely happy with end result
Peter
Prompt reply and dealt with problem immediately, and corrected problem which was left by original company! Thank you
Terrie
Steve turned up as promised and the job was carried out quickly and efficiently. I would definitely use again!
Paul
Steve and the guys did a great job replacing the valley, installing an eaves tray and felt replacement on the chimney and chimney flaunching to name just a few of the repairs. High quality job - I can tell by the photos they undertook before and after. Reliable time keeping, they worked hard, kept tidy and above all the communication was excellent. I have used them several times before for different building jobs and they always provide a high level of service which is customer focused. Highly recommended.
Colette
Great team of guys who responded to our urgent repair needs. Steve was happy to talk us through the issues he could see and the options and costs of correcting them, before starting work, so there were no surprises. Work was completed on time and to a high standard.
Patrick
Needed a Velux window removed from the roof and also some repairs. Team were professional, efficient and got the job done in a day. Will be using them again and would highly recommend if you need work done
Jake
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