Roofs are the most vital part of our homes. The roof not only makes sure that your head is protected but it also makes sure that all the objects which are kept inside your house are protected from the sun as well as rain and dirt. There are many roofing materials which are being used for the purpose of roofing and each one has different properties.
One of the roofing type is flat roofing. It is a low pitched roof type most favorable in dry climates. It is a type of roof which lies very nearly horizontally, and provides just enough pitch to allow for the drainage of water. Flat roofs are more often found on commercial buildings than on residential homes.
The benefits of having a flat roof are : These kind of roofs are very comfortable in the winter season as they absorb the heat and keep the insides of the house warm.
Another advantage of having a flat roof which is not there with other sloping roofs, is that it reduces the dead space. It creates space that can be used as a terrace or a terrace garden, roof top swimming pools etc.
The initial cost for flat roofs are much less as compared to other roofing types as it involves less material and labor. Also, these roofs are easy to inspect.
Apart from these benefits, flat roofs offer several challenges as well. Though their initial cost is low, but their maintenance cost is quite high. Their average life is about 5 – 10 years if they are well maintained. They should be carefully designed as per the entire house structure, otherwise it can lead to cracks and leaks. There are protective membranes available that are used on commercial buildings, but can be expensive for an average homeowner.
One can face persistent drainage problems with flat roofs as these do not allow for easy flow of water to the ground. This water may cause the roof to rust. The water that accumulates on the roof tops usually weakens the roof material causing leakages. The water can also cause untold damage to walls .
Flat roofs can help you reduce energy costs in the winter, but the reverse is true in the summer months, as the sun beats down on the roof and the only place for the heat to go is inside the dwelling. They offer very little or no ventilation. So make sure to keep all these points in mind before going in for flat roofing for your house.
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