Pros And Cons Of Flat Roofed Houses

[hypersushi 0]

Recently, someone discussed about flat roofed houses but I can't seem to find that thread. Anyways, I'm attaching pictures here for all to see and let's discuss the pros and cons of flat roof houses. If it is so good, why aren't developers going all the way with it?

Flat Roofs:

My take on the pros of flat roof houses:

1. Modern Look (refreshing)

2. Good utilisation of space. Rooftop can become a sky balcony/garden

Cons:

1. If surface is not flat, water will accumulate and potholes will follow years later

2. Heat buildup on highest floor (I'm just guessing)

3. More expensive than conventional roofs? (Can any builders confirm this? and by how much psf?)

Please share your thoughts on this.

Conventional Roofs:

Hybrid:

[hypersushi 0]

[Chunky Monkey 2]

I do not recommend flat roofs. We live in a tropical country and have frequent rains. You will need excellent waterproofing to start off with, and that alone is no guarantee of water leakage. And I speak from experience. The waterproofing company will give a 10 year guarantee but when water seeps into your living area, the inconvenience and damage to your household contents are not covered by the insurance.

Pitched roof is still the best. And don't even make flat car porch roofs. make sure there's a gradient. And water will still collect on aircon ledges. If you want to have aircon ledges, make sure they are over-hanging the exterior walls of your house. The bottom of any flat roofs/ledges must not be the internal of the house, if you want a problem free house, with respect to water and roofing.

[waileong 0]

If you have ever picked up a book on tropical architecture (Balinese, Thai, Indonesian, etc-- even our own colonial black and whites), you'll see that it's all pitched roofs.

Rain is not the only reason.

Think about the old days, before aircon.

The air buffer in the pitched roof provided good insulation against the tropical heat.

In addition, they also typically raised their houses on stilts for the same reason.

[dilhara 0]

flat or sloped are just different roof systems. it still all depends on the quality of the material that is applied. a slope can be shingle or metal. metal lasts longer but is more costly. a flat can be a rubber, built-up, or torch down. i would not hesitate buying a house with a flat roof if that is what you are asking, as long as it has a good system on it.Always try to consult any roofing contractors in your area.