The term “flat roof” is somewhat misleading – no roof surface is ever completely flat, all roofs need a certain sloping angle to allow for the drainage of the water that the roof comes into contact with in the form of rain, hailstones or snow. The sloping angle of flat roofs is up to 10 degrees – a degree that is almost invisible to the naked eye and a feature that also requires special techniques and special materials when work is needed on flat roofs. Here are some important things that you should know about flat roofs.
The Flat Layout Offers Special Benefits
One of the most important benefits of flat roofs is the low costs associated. Flat roofs are not visible from the ground, therefore aesthetic appeal plays little role when it comes to the materials chosen, which makes installation cheaper and quicker. The materials used for flat roofs are usually more affordable than the types used on pitched roofs and they come either in the form of large panels or as large sheets, which accelerates the installation process and reduces the costs as well.
Another important benefit of flat roofs is the extended living space they provide. If the roof’s support structure is sufficiently strong to allow for safely walking on the roof surface, your flat roof can be easily transformed into a comfortable outdoor refuge, surrounded by a great view and giving you the peace that you need to relax. Flat roofs are especially great and useful for properties that are small and do not provide sufficient outdoor space – the rooftop can be transformed to accommodate a garden that will serve as a cozy extension for the landscaping around the building.
Naples roofing contractors will assert that flat roofs are also easier and safer to maintain and to repair. The regular cleaning and inspection tasks are easier to perform on flat roofs than on pitched roofs and any repairs deemed necessary can also be performed in a manner that is safer and more efficient than in the case of pitched roofs.
The Challenges Posed by Flat Roofs
Flat roofs do not shed water as efficiently as pitched structures and ponding water can be a nasty enemy. Flat roofs are made from very resistant and durable materials, but even these materials can become weak if they are in constant contact with moisture, therefore flat roofs need very efficient drainage systems that also need to be inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent any issues caused by clogging.
Flat roofs also face weight-related challenges. As they are not able to shed water efficiently, the weight of precipitation can be a challenge that the owners of flat roofs need to pay attention to. If your flat roof is in a climate zone that gets harsh winters, you need to check the thickness of the snow blanket on your roof and you need to remove the layer when it becomes too thick. Fortunately, there are several ways to maintain the layer of snow on your roof at safe levels – you can either do it yourself, using a roof rake or you can hire a local roofer to perform the cleaning using safely, using professional tools.