Roofs typically fall into one of two categories: flat or pitched. According to the experts at our Denver roofing company, a flat roof is one that is almost or completely flat, whereas a pitched roof is one that slopes downward. Many people love the clean lines and simplicity of flat roofs, so they don’t understand why most residential homes are built with pitched roofs. See how these two types of roofs compare by taking a look at the pros and cons of each:
Drainage
Sitting water can put extra stress on the roofing system and eventually lead to leaks and other types of damage. To prevent this problem, every roof should have a drainage system in place so water that falls on the roof does not remain there. Water that falls on a pitched roof is typically pulled downward by gravity, where it will land in the gutters and drain off of the roof. However, it is much more difficult to get water to drain off of a flat roof. As a result, this type of roof is not a good option for homes that are in an area with moderate to heavy rainfall.
Style
Flat roofs are generally used on very modern-looking homes, so they may look out of place on any other type of home. Pitched roofs are far more versatile, so they can be used on any type of home. For example, a pitched roof with a low slope is ideal for contemporary homes, whereas a pitched roof with a high slope may be used on a Victorian-style home. Builders can adjust the slope and use various roofing materials to make a pitched roof complement most architectural styles.
Cost
If you are building a home, cost is an important factor to consider when deciding which type of roof is right for you. The cost of a roof can vary, but flat roofs are usually less expensive to build than pitched roofs. However, don’t make this decision based on cost alone. Be sure to consider all of the pros and cons of each type of roof instead of going with the cheapest option.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a roof will depend on how well the roof is maintained and what type of roofing material was used in its construction. But in general, flat roofs have a minimum lifespan of 10 years, whereas pitched roofs have a minimum lifespan of 15 years. Even though it may be cheaper to build a flat roof, it is more expensive than a pitched roof overall because it will need to be replaced sooner.
As you can see, there are many reasons why pitched roofs are almost always used on residential homes. To learn more, talk to the pros. Big Creek Roofing is the premier Denver roofing company, with a staff that specializes in every aspect of roof maintenance, repair, and replacement for commercial and residential properties. When you hire our team to tackle your roofing project, you can expect on-time and high quality service at a reasonable price. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs!