Comparing Flat and Pitched Roofs

(guest post by Adrian Brito on behalf of Frazier Roofing & Guttering)

According to roofing companies in Grand Prairie Texas, building or renovating a home can be incredibly exciting and full of important decisions. There are siding options to consider, interior layouts to plan, energy-efficiency considerations to mull over. And, of course, there’s the roof. While you may already have an idea of the type of roofing material you’d like to have installed, have you determined if your roof will be pitched or flat?

Let’s take a look at both options and examine the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages of a Pitched Roof

A traditional choice for home design, pitched roofs are attractive and highly functional due to their ability to let rain roll off more quickly. While leaks are always something to be on the lookout for, pitched roofs tend to leak less than flat roofs with the same roofing material.

A pitched roof also bumps up your storage or livable space inside the home, since it creates a nice size attic. Regions of the country that experience heavier rain and snow tend to get the most benefits from building homes with pitched roofs.

Advantages of a Flat Roof

Flat roofs aren’t 100 percent flat. They still have some pitch to them, just not to the degree pitched roofs offer. Flat roofs are more affordable to install than pitched roofs because they’re easier to manage and don’t take long to install.

They’re a great option for smaller homes, more compartmentalized homes, or smaller structures like garages, sheds or guest cottages. Most roofing companies can easily install flat roofs, which makes identifying and hiring a roofer a simple process.

Disadvantages of a Pitched Roof

Pitched roofs take more time and money to install. Because of their steep incline, roofers may spend a lot more time installing the material. The cost in labor will significantly increase compared to the cost of installing a flat roof. 

You’ll also need to ensure the foundation of your home is adequate to bear the weight and stress of a heavily pitched roof, since these types of roofs add considerable stress.

Disadvantages of a Flat Roof

Rain still rolls away on a flat roof, just not with as much efficiency as a pitched roof. So, if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain and/or snow, a pitched roof may be the way to go.

Flat roofs don’t give you much in the way of internal storage either, since attic space is either very small or nonexistent with flat roofs. If you’ve got a basement or a storage shed, this may not be much of a disadvantage.

Deciding Between the Two Options

Deciding what kind of roof to install is really up to personal preference, although the region in which you live may have a lot of influence in your final decision. Flat roofs are incredibly popular in drier climates across the United States, such as the Southwest. Whereas, pitched roofs are popular in areas that experience heavy rain seasons. Think about the look you’re going for, the amount of storage space you’ll enjoy, and the time and money it will take to install the roof.