Flat or pitched roof? The argument for which is the best roofing style of choice has been a lingering one for ages. Why the battle continues, there’s no denying that the best choice of roofing material depends on what you need as a homeowner and your local climate.
When building or replacing the roof on your home, there are different roofing materials for you to choose from. Pitched roof consists of different styles like mansard, hipped, or gabled, and various roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, clay, tiles, wood shingles, slate, and lots more. Flat roofs are basically either built-up or single-ply (TPO, EPDM, and PVC). However, what makes them so different? How can you pick the best materials for your home?
Flat roofs are not literally flat, as the name suggests. Technically, they are slightly slanted. However, flat roofing can prove catastrophic in climates with heavy downpours of rain due to its poor water drainage ability. With flat roofing materials, you stand at a greater risk of dealing with water leaks, as they have more ability to retain water than letting it run off the roofing system. When the water gets stagnant on top of the roof for a long time, they will eventually find a way to sip into the building, leading to water damage.
Pitched roofs, on the other hand, are designed with high ends and low ends. This allows water to run off the roof to the gutters and down to the ground. Pitched roofing materials are inarguably the best for rainy climates as they pose less risk of water damage.
In every building project, the cost is one of the major points people consider. Between flat and pitched roofing materials installation, it is no news that flat roofing materials are cheaper both in material and labor cost. However, flat roofing materials may require more maintenance than pitched roofing materials.
When it comes to deciding according to cost, always consider the short-term costs and long-term costs.
Every roofing system requires regular maintenance to ensure longevity, even with the unending long warranties. Flat roofing materials come with many roofing problems like cracks, leaks, alligatoring, and so on. While flat roofing materials also need regular maintenance, they are immune to different roofing problems common with flat roofing systems.
Lastly, the structure is a critical factor to consider, though it could be subjective. Flat roofing materials offer a variety of styles, stability, and excellent drainage property. They are usually the best choice materials for wet climates. In contrast, flat roofing materials offer more curb appeal and boost the value of your home while still costing less than its alternatives.
Regardless of which material you choose to go with, both flat roofing and pitched roofing materials come with their pros and cons. Always consult with a professional roofer near you to help you determine which is the best option for your home, both with respect to the structure, cost, and maintenance.
To get the best roofing material, reach out to Astoria Roofing, 29-16 30th Ave Astoria, NY 11102 718-285-6273, https://www.astoriaroofingny.com/.