Tag: flatroof

Extensions

Everything you should know before building a Flat roof

1st December 20210

Flat roof extensions can provide a simple, cost-effective solution that ticks all of the right boxes. Especially for smaller extensions.  

What is a flat roof? 

A flat roof is a roof that is completely or almost level. However, whilst they are described as flat almost all flat roofs are laid to slope so that rainwater can run off to the lower side. The slope of the roof is properly known as its pitch. 

Where flat roofs originally from –  

Flat roofs are an ancient form mostly used in desert climates. Flat roofs exist all over the world, and each area has its own tradition or preference for the materials used. For hotter climates, where there is less rainfall many flat roofs are simply built out of masonry or concrete. This is because it is good at keeping the heat out, it is cheap and easy to build. Flat roofs are characteristic of the Egyptian, Persia, and Arabian styles of architecture.   

The main thing flat roofs are used for is extensions. They are exceedingly popular with those looking to create a cool, modern home. Flat roofs help to free up internal space and are often cheaper than a pitched roof. It is also easier to incorporate a green roof onto the structure if you want to go for an eco-friendly version.  

Pros and cons of flat roofs –  

Pros  

  • Installation & Maintenance – flat roofs are fairly easy to install. The maintenance is also easy because there is no fear of sliding off the roof when it comes to fixing it or cleaning the gutters.  
  • Price – the flat roof is generally a less expensive option. A flat roof requires less materials for the construction, and the materials are cheaper than tiles. They also take less tome to install.  
  • Internal space is not imposed on – the lack of pitch means that you don’t have to extend your property upwards, and maybe block some views. You can also put things on top of the roof and create a roof top garden  

Cons  

  • Temperature change – flat roofs absorb heat easier than flat roofs, because they are constantly absorbed by the sun. In the summer this can make your house very hot, however, in the winter it does the opposite and makes your house cold.  
  • Roof repairs – they are usually more expensive than a traditional pitched roof.  
  • Drainage – flat roof drainage is not as effective as pitched roofs and flooding can become an issue.  

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Design and Inspiration

The Top 7 Best And Most Useful Types Of Roofs

23rd September 20210

Gable Roofs  

Firstly, gable roofs are one of the most common types of roofs in colder climates. It consists of two sections whose upper horizontal edges meet to form its ridge. In regions with strong winds and heavy rain, gable roofs are built with a steep pitch in order to present to prevent the ingress of water.    

They are recognised by their triangular shape. 

Gable roofs are friendly to all types of materials. However, if they contain hips and valleys, consider using metal shingles or standing seams to avoid leaks.  

Advantages: 

  • Inexpesnive    
  • Are based on simple design principle 
  • More weather-resistant than flat roofs  
  • The loft can be turned into living  space  

Disadvantages: 

  • Gable roofs are more prone to wind damage than hip roofs   
  • Gable roofs can collapse if frames are not constructed properly 
Gable Roof - What It Is, Pros/Cons and Variations - Homenish

Mansard roof   

Secondly, A mansard roof is a four-sided gambrel-style hip roof. It has two slopes on each side. Punctured by dormer windows, at a steeper angle than the upper. This type of roof with windows creates additional floor and living space.  

Pros:  

  • The mansard style makes maximum use of the interior space of the loft  
  • A simple mansard roof is rather cheap  
  • Extra living space adds value to the house  

Cons  

  • A typical mansard can be costly  
  • A low pitched mansard roof is not recommended for use in places with high rainfall 

Hip roofs 

Thirdly, a hip roof is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls. They usually have four sides like a mansard roof, often shaped like a pyramid. There are three types of hip roofs: simple hip, crossed hip, and half-hipped. However, simple hip roofs are the most common.  

Pros:  

  • Durable and sturdy  
  • It is excellent for windy areas  
  • Offers extra living space  

Cons: 

  • Expensive and complex 
  • Can develop water leaks if not well installed 
  • Requires extra maintenance 
Hip Roof: The Ultimate in Modern Roof Design - Worst Room

Shed roof  

A shed roof is a single sloping roof attached to a taller wall. A shed roof doesn’t have any adjoining roofs. And can be installed on an independent building or leaned into an already existing one.   

They are mostly used for home additions and are getting popular with modern home roofing. This roof is used for eco-friendly houses.

Pros:  

  • Suitable for rain regions 
  • Less expensive
  • Allows natural light  
  • Easy to assemble 

Cons: 

  • When the pitch is too high, the ceiling becomes low. 
  • Not suitable for areas with high wind 
Mercury Small House Plan | Modern Shed Roof Home Design with Photos

Gambrel roof  

 A gambrel roof has two different slopes, one side is almost vertical steep slope while the other slope is lower. This design provides the advantages of a sloped roof while maximising headroom inside the building’s upper level. Gambrel roofs are also getting popular in modern builds.  

Pros  

  • It allows extra living space 
  • Easy construction 
  • Less expesnice  
  • Provides more storage 

cons 

  • Regular maintenance 
  • Needs to be water proof at the ridges 
  • Not usefull in high wind areas  
  • Windows may increase the chances of leaks 

Flat roof  

Flat roofs are often not 100% flat, there is a slight slope that allows water to run off. They also have centrally located drains and gutters to get rid of the rainwater on top of the roof. Flat roofs are common to commercial and industrial buildings. Flat roofs are often used in warmer climates, which allows the roof space to be used as a living space.

Pros:  

  • Less expensive to construct 
  • Suitable for installing solar panals when constructing an eco friendly house  

Cons:  

  • Not suitable for high rainfall areas  
  • Frequent maintence and repairs  
Flat Roofs: The Good and The Bad | Central Bay Roofing & Restoration

Bonnet roof  

Finally, bonnet roofs are like a reverse mansard roof. They have double slopes, the lower slopes are at a lesser angle than the upper slopes. In addition, if you have an open porch the lower slopes are good because they overhang and create a cover.  

Pros: 

  • They allow dormers  
  • Overhanging eaves provide protection from water damage  
  • Durable 
  • Bonnet roof allows extra living spac for a small loft 

Cons: 

  • Difficult to construct 
  • More expensive 
  • Need complex materials 
Bonnet Roof

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