There are a few common misconceptions regarding flat roofs that are stubbornly persistent. One of them is that flat roofs leak more easily than pitched ones. Another is that they cannot handle as much snow weight as pitched roofs because the snow sits directly on the roof. Neither of these are accurate. Here at Pro Roofers, we specialize in flat roof installation and maintenance and over the years, we have gathered a wealth of expertise concerning flat roofs, so let's set the record straight.
Weight & Insulation
First of all, if you live in a cold climate such as Toronto, Canada, you will want to install a roof with a solid thickness to leave room for sufficient insulation – say a 12-inch depth – to keep the heat in during the winter months. A roof this thick will be able to support any amount of snow, barring an avalanche, and you will have nothing to worry about. Furthermore, when you do get a solid snowfall, the snow itself will actually add to the overall insulation of your home, saving you money on your heating bill. In a paradoxical twist, this is a situation where snow will actually make you warmer! For the design and insulation to function properly, however, the roof must be installed with great care and expertise, so be sure to call our Toronto roofing experts when it comes time to install your new flat roof.
Maintenance, Leaks & Drainage
When you are working with flat roofs, the actual material is made from weather-proof membranes that are much larger than shingles. These membranes are often cost-effective depending on the size of the roof, and these days, commercial buildings often opt for flat roofs to save money and because they are more practical. A flat roof is no more or less likely to leak than a pitched roof – it all comes down to the design and the competence with which it is installed. Flat roofs must be installed on a very specific, mild slope so that the water can drain off properly, and if the drains and scuppers aren't cleared regularly, this increases the chance of a leak or roof damage. As with anything else, vigilance and regular inspections mitigate the chances of a problem growing worse. If you have a skylight, this can sometimes add to complications as well, but getting a problem fixed quickly will always save you money in the long run – don't let your sky light issues worsen once you've noticed, call Pro Roofers to remedy the problem.
Integration with Nature
From an aesthetic standpoint, a house in the country with a flat roof blends in much better than a house with a pitched roof. It's true than in a city neighbourhood with predominantly older houses, flat roofs stick out, but it is the opposite in the country-side: a flat roof sits cleaner on the horizon and breaks up the scenery less. A consideration if you're a lover of nature.
If you're considering hiring someone for roof installation or maintenance, make sure you read the reviews from our customers – our solid reputation is a strong argument in our favour. As a small, family business, we have your interests at heart, whether your roof is flat, pitched or somewhere in between!
