flat roof on a home.?

Question

can you put a flat roof on a residence instead of a pitched roof. like they do on many restaurants? what are the pros and cons?

Answer 1

I have a flat roof with about 1/4 inch downpitch to the inch. In the visible front, there is the Mansurd or near vertical shingled roof. The house is a near copy of a French Mansurd.

My house is about 40 years old. When I purchased the house, the flat roof had what they call SIS roll asphalt, 18 inch overlap. That was a huge problem even when replaced and new. Leaks formed from nowwhere, not large leaks, just leaks from snow or when we had a really severe downpour.

About 5 years ago I installed a Firestone rubber roof, its .060 thick huge rubber sheet, no seams. Kind of an 'unbrella' over the whole thing onto nailed down plywood. Not a single bit of leaks ever. And a 30 year warranty at that. And cheaper than tarpaper SIS.

I live north of Chicago, lots of snow lots of sleet, lots of rain. You can have a flat roof anywhere you wish in the country so long as enough 2x12 joist support it. Contrary to common belief, snow does not accumulate more on a flat roof, there is wind up there and snow is chased away. For info, Take a look at the Schultz homes they offer many French style homes with flat roofs with slight pitch.

Answer 2

Both flat roof as well as pitched roof require regular maintenance. Although pitched roof are more difficult to clean. Flat roof's drainage is not as effective as that of pitched roof. Flat roofs' repair costs are more expensive than pitched roofs'. Flat roofs are characteristic of modern design, so if you want to design a contemporary home, use a flat roof or a pitched roof with a very low slope. For more details you can visit
http://www.choiceroofcontractors.com/commercial-roofing-services/

Answer 3

I would check with your local building department to make sure you can put a flat roof on your residence. More than likely, you can. I can think of very few pros to a flat roof. Cons - they are very prone to leaking, quality roofing materials for flat work are expensive and snow load requirements for framing could be substantial.

Also, you must consider resale value for your home. I would not purchase a home with a flat roof and I am not alone.

Answer 4

i think it depends on where you live. like if you live in the north where there is a lot of snow in the winter, it's not a good idea since the weight of the snow could cave in your roof. i don't know if there are any pros except that it looks nice.