While it is commonly used on commercial buildings, especially larger buildings, some homeowners opt for an entire flat roof while others require only part of their roof to be flat or have a low slope. In Florida, many homes have flat roofs over patios or screened lanais. With modern homes quickly coming into style within Southwest Florida, residential flat or low slope roofs are becoming quite popular.
Flat Roof Overview
By far the biggest advantage of a flat roof is its cost. Compared to other types of roofs, flat roofs are fairly inexpensive to construct. The materials—often modified bitumen, EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, TPO, or PVC—are much more inexpensive compared to alternative roofing materials, especially metal and tile.
However, the biggest disadvantage of a flat roof is the lack of drainage. With flat roofs, water does not drain off the roof as easily or as quickly as a sloped roof. While they do drain, it’s usually much slower than any sloped roof, and as we all know, standing water for too long can pose major problems for any homeowner. In Florida where it rains a lot throughout the year, flat roofs are especially prone to water damage and eventual leaks due to water puddling on the roof. If your current residence has a flat roof or you are considering purchasing a home with a flat roof, it is imperative that you keep up with routine gutter and roof maintenance. If you spot a clog or block in drainage, make sure that you get it cleared up right away or you risk major damage to not only your roof but your entire home.
Another disadvantage of flat roofs in Southwest Florida are the lack of options. A vast majority of flat roofs all use the same materials: modified bitumen, EPDM, polyurethane foam, TPO, and PVC. While they are inexpensive materials, most of them do not have the same longevity or durability of other roof types. Typically, their lifespan is about 10 to 15 years. Compare that to other roof materials such as metal or tile which have significantly longer lifespans.
Flat Roof Services
If you require assistance maintaining, repairing, or replacing your flat roof, our expert team is ready to assist you. We have extensive experience working with flat roofs and welcome the opportunity to serve your residential roofing needs.
New Flat Roof Installations
If you’re building a new home with a flat roof, contact our office to discuss your project’s needs. We understand the challenges associated with flat roof construction, especially the drainage issues!
Flat Roof Repair and Replacement
As flat roofs are prone to water damage and Florida is a particularly wet state, our experts have diagnosed and repaired all types of water damaged flat roofs. Whether it be clogged drainage, structural problems, or a complete replacement of a flat roof, the team at First Service looks forward to exceeding your roofing contractor expectations.
If you find any damage to your flat roof, do not hesitate to contact us immediately to schedule a FREE roofing consultation.