Slanted Roofs

When building a structure – be it a home or office building – it is important to decide which style of roofing it will possess. This usually means having to decide whether it will be a slanted roof or a flat roof. Both styles have different strengths and weaknesses that should be thoroughly evaluated according to the structure before executing roof construction.

In the battle of slanted vs. flat roofs, slanted roofs are generally preferred, simply because they look nicer and are easier to maintain than flat roofs. One of the main factors to consider in roof construction is its durability against rain and moisture. Normally, the use of quality materials and an effective gutter system is enough to stave off large amounts of moisture from lingering on any roof, but slanted roofs are particularly effective due to the simple gravity of their structure that allows moisture to roll off and prevent pools of water from forming.

“Slanted roofs also attribute their longer lifespan to this capability. Buildings constructed in places near mountainous regions where it rains heavily throughout part of the year.” Mentioned the owner of Certified Roofing Services a roofing company that uses the best roofing contractors in Portland. Nevertheless, a downside to constructing slanted roofs is that they can be cost-prohibitive due to the extra labor that may be required to ensure quality construction.

Flat roofs

Flat roofs have their advantages as well. Flats roofs are ideal for buildings in areas with arid climates that do not receive large amounts of rain or snow throughout the year. They are easier and less expensive to construct than slanted roofs because of its plain surface. “Maintenance is easier as well, as any homeowner without a fear of heights can mount the roof and simply sweep away debris and repair on a flat surface.” explained the owner of a Los Angeles roofing repairs company.

A base layer is formed on flat roofs to protect the underside facing the interior of the building and the outside is covered by a layer made of bitumen or a synthetic rubberized compound designed specifically for roofing purposes. This is often cheaper than purchasing shingles for slanted roofs, but the difference can be offset by the need to recoat flat roof surfaces every five to seven years to prevent leaking and other damages.

Choosing between a slanted vs. flat roof

As far as buildings go, both residential and commercial buildings benefit more from slanted roofs, particularly if there are several floors and the building is high, as it offsets the altitude and weight in order to prevent the roof from collapsing. Flat roofs are still permissible in residential buildings, but should also be carefully maintained. Roofing is an important component of the home and the decision of slanted vs. flat roofs is just one factor to take into consideration.