The Pros & Cons of Flat vs. Pitched Roofing | Home Guides

According to roofing contractors in Dallas, whether you’re putting on a new roof or building from scratch, you’re probably wondering whether a flat or pitched roof is the best choice for the job. A pitched roof is angled which is perfect for whisking water away while a flat roof is, well, flat. Both have their advantages and disadvantages you should consider before making your decision, and in this article, we’ll look at those to help you decide.

Benefits of Flat Roofs

Although it’s called a flat roof, it’s not flat; they have slight slopes to direct the rainwater away from your home. The most attractive benefit to putting on a flat roof is the cost, which is much lower than putting on a pitched roof. Also, putting on a flat roof takes less time than putting on a pitched roof, and often it can be completed in a day. A flat roof being so compact is the perfect choice for garages, porches and other smaller spaces.

Disadvantages of Flat Roofs

Because they’re flatter, rainwater doesn’t drain away as efficiently on a flat roof as it does on a sloped roof, so if you live in an area that gets a lot of heavy rains, you may experience more leaks if you get standing water. Also, if you want a loft in your home, you can’t do this with a flat roof. Last, if the contractor does a poor job installing it, the roof won’t last.

Advantages of a Pitched Roof

Look around your neighborhood, and you’ll see all kinds of pitched roofs. Pitched roofs are popular because they last a long time and they’re efficient at removing rainwater from the house. Also, pitched roofs give your home a more traditional look if that’s what you’re going for.

And, unlike a flat roof, you have the freedom to add lofts or attic space as you please.

Disadvantages of a Pitched Roof

The most significant drawback of a pitched roof is the high cost of installation. You can end up paying thousands more for a pitched over a flat roof, which makes it a bad choice for people on a budget. Also, installing a pitched roof takes considerably more time than a flat roof because it’s more complex, which means you’ll be without a house, so to speak, for a time.

Also, a pitched roof needs regular maintenance to ensure it’s healthy, effective and lasts a long time.

As you can see, with the two types of roofs, there’s no clear winner; it all comes down to your budget and what you want in a roof. If you’re looking for low cost and don’t care so much about the look, the flat roof is the way to go. However, if you want something traditional and flexible, the pitched roof is the one for you. As with anything, the best way to decide is to learn as much as you can and ask your local roofing company questions.