The Pros and Cons of Pitched vs. Flat Roofs

Whether you are planning to build your own home, or perhaps remodel your existing abode, the decisions you make about your roof can make or break your project. The roof is such a significant part of your home both structurally and aesthetically and it’s imperative that you consider the advantages and disadvantages of each roof type before proceeding with your costly building works, especially the fundamental difference between a pitched or flat roof. It is also important to utilize the expertise of a company like Mighty Dog Roofing once you decide on the color, style and design of your new roof. With that in mind this article explores these two roof types and their pros and cons.

The classic pitched gable roof

Everybody is familiar with the classic upside down ‘V’ shape that represents the gable roof, it’s one of the most common types and you’ll find them virtually everywhere. 

A gable roof is ostensibly one of the most cost efficient to build and it’s distinct design means that it can efficiently shed water, meaning it’s a lot harder to get leaks. As well as being wet weather friendly, a gable roof also allows for extra attic room space or even the opportunity to convert that extra roof space into another room, increasing the value of your property.

One of the drawbacks of a gable roof is the shape is especially susceptible to wind damage. They can also require additional venting in some instances and are not always in keeping with vintage or historic home designs so may not suit every project from an aesthetic perspective.

Pro tip: Roof repairs can be dangerous DIY jobs and mistakes can be costly to repair so always engage a professional roofing expert to assist with your roofing project, renovating or repair tasks. If you have a vintage home or one of the more unconventional roof designs then you should seek a team with a wealth of experience. This roofing company the villages, Florida are a perfect example.

The modern or commercial flat roof

There’s actually no such thing as a truly flat roof as all roofs must carry at least a slight pitch to allow rainwater to escape, but flat roofs, aesthetically speaking, are completely different in style to a classic gable roof style. Most commonly seen in shop or commercial building designs, flat roofs are perhaps slightly more common in some European countries (or in developments emulating European designs) on residential homes.

You can be quite creative with a flat roof. In a hot climate, such as Florida, you can think of your flat roof as a perfect additional outdoor space and it might make an excellent patio or roof garden (or a fantastic place to lay back and watch the stars at night). You can keep your unsightly HVAC unit nicely hidden out of view on a flat roof and they also make for very convenient solar panel arrays so you can more easily do your bit for the climate.

You have to watch our for leaks more on a flat roof than a fully pitched roof as they can be prone to pooling water issues, especially during rainy seasons. This can lead to an increased frequency of maintenance (again, ensure you use a reputable and experienced roofing company). 

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference as there are pros and cons with each roof type. The classic pitched gable, however, probably just clinches it due to lower installation cost, lower maintenance and less leaks. There must be a good reason they are the most popular roof design.