Today there are many roofing options available when building or replacing the roof on your home or shed. Pitched roofs come in a variety of styles including mansard, hipped, or gabled; while flat roofs are constructed using designs such as built-up or single-ply. Regardless of the type you would like to see on your home, flat and pitched roofs offer different benefits and drawbacks. You should always speak to a professional contractor to determine the best option for your home with regards to maintenance, cost, and structure.
Maintaining
All roofs need regular maintenance to ensure they protect your home and belongings. Most of the systems will be protected by a lengthy warranty, sometimes up to 20 years, regardless of the type. Nevertheless, when it comes to maintenance, flat roofs can be easier to clean, inspect and repair. Because of the slope, they are more difficult to work on, and also usually require more frequent maintenance. Obviously, flat roofs offer inferior drainage compared to pitched and without regular maintenance and inspection drains and gutters can be clogged and will ultimately damage your roof. Moreover, flat roofs require a waterproof seal which must undergo regular maintenance to avoid damage and leaks. Indeed, leaks on flat roofs are almost always a result of poor inspection and maintenance flat roofs toronto.
Cost
Most contractors will tell you that a flat roof is considerably cheaper than a pitched. Nevertheless, the savings on construction may or may not make up for the longer-term maintenance costs. As such, homeowners living in the wettest climates should consider pitched roofs even though initial costs are higher. these kind of roofs protect well against inclement weather and are much less susceptible to moisture damage.
Structure
Finally, structure is an important consideration to make when you are deciding between a flat or pitched. Pitched roofs offer excellent structure, stability, and drainage and are usually the go-to roof for homes in wet climates. Alternatively, flat roofs system can provide an attractive design element while also being less expensive. Many homeowners prefer the contemporary design of flat roofs, and even if you live in a rainy climate there are still excellent designs.
Ultimately, whether you choose type of roof, it is important to make an informed decision. Climate will clearly have important implications with regards to the maintenance, cost, and structure so you should be careful to choose a roof that not only fits your budget but your needs. Flat roofs make an excellent choice for dry climates, while pitched roofs are the obvious favourite in wet climates because of their superior drainage. Still, style will also factor into your decision, so if you have your heart set on a particular type, speak to professional contractor about how to choose right product and type.