Choosing the right type of roof has always been a challenge. It is not hidden that not any roof can go with your home. It merely depends on the style and some other factors. Therefore, we have gathered an informative guide to know whether you want a flat or a
pitched roof extension.
What Is A Flat Roof Extension?
Some older buildings have roofs with a slight slope responsible for collecting rainwater to avoid seepage through the gutter system. Meanwhile, a flat roof extension is a building with a flat roof that handles the drain and water system as good as the traditional steep buildings. This type of extension is a flat roof extension. They need to be designed with great care; otherwise, there are great chances of its leakage.
Advantages Of Having A Flat Roof Extension
Although flat roof extension emerges from a bad reputation in history but now with the advancement, they have also become better than before. You will see them used in most houses to give a contemporary look.
Firstly, they are preferred because they are easy and take less time to build. Furthermore, they require less material to build, which is a cost-saving thing. In this way, you will be able to save long-term construction costs.
As a result, flat roof extensions are pretty compact and require less headroom than pitched roof extensions.
Flat roof extensions offer increased flexibility, so you should also consider them. A flat roof extension is one of the best ways to make your home more environmentally friendly. It can be covered with moss or grass, depending on your preference. You get creative with your glazing with flat roof extensions because they give you that freedom. As a flat roof can accommodate more glazing than a pitched roof, you can add more glazing as needed. As well as getting a greater degree of freedom than a conservatory, you can choose where you want the glazing to go.
Why Install A Flat Roof Extension?
Adding a flat roof extension is synonymous with adding life to your home. It is the ideal way to renew your home.
Adding a flat roof extension to a house can be an excellent alternative to moving into a larger home if you need additional space. An average flat roof extension costs much less than other extension types. You can build a terrace on top of your flat roof extension instead of a pitched roof. Flat roofs are also easier to install than pitched roofs. As an added benefit, any addition you make to your home will increase its value if you decide to move.
Factors Affecting Flat Roof Extension Costs
When looking at the average cost of an extension with a flat roof, it might seem that you’ll spend between £30,000 and £75,000. Your flat roof extension will cost significantly more than those figures because of the following factors:
Materials
The material used for the flat roof extension will determine how much it will cost. The cost of an extension depends on the size of the addition and whether it requires more materials and labour. The cost of durable, better-quality material will be higher.
The shape of the extension:
If you plan to build an extension of an odd shape or unusual size, the building process will be more complex and cost more than if the extension were standard.
Windows or doors:
Of course, you will need to access your extension, but the higher quality and more significant number of windows and doors you choose, the greater the price you will pay.
Architect:
Whenever you choose to use the services of an architect to prepare plans and make the most of your extension, it will incur additional fees.
Accessibility:
A flat roof extension can be costly if difficult-to-access areas must be addressed. People often underestimate this. Generally speaking, the less accessible and awkward the space where your new extension will be, the more you will have to pay to build it.
What Is Pitched Roof Extension?
Roofs with pitched pitches slope downward from a central ridge, usually in two sections, but can also be sloped from one edge to another. Essentially, a roof’s pitch is the vertical rise of its roof divided by its horizontal span, which measures how steep the roof is.
Advantages Of Pitched Roof Extension
They blend in better with many styles of houses since
pitched roof extensions provide a more traditional look. Planning authorities find this to be an appealing factor.
It is typically more challenging to repair
pitched roof extensions than flat extensions. They’re usually more durable and weather-resistant due to the materials they’re created with. The pitched roof also doesn’t allow for water pooling, adding to its longevity and eliminating the possibility of leaks.
Due to their angle concerning the sun, pitched roof lights provide more natural light than traditional windows. As a result, the interior space looks more extensive and gives more access to natural light, which benefits your health. The additional space you gain when you have a pitched roof extension is inescapable. It is possible to build higher
ceilings or develop lofts beneath the roof.
Adding more insulation to your pitched roof extension can help you save energy and keep your house warmer.
Why Install Pitched Roof Extension
Many factors contribute to the preference for installing
a pitched roof extension. Pitch roof designs generally blend in better with traditional architecture. Therefore, the planning department tends to favour pitched roof extensions over flat roof extensions, as a result. It is more efficient to have a pitched roof over a flat roof because it allows for better insulation. The materials used to make pitched roofs and their general shape provide a longer lifespan. They also tend to have higher ceilings. The higher ceilings allow the room to appear larger and more spacious, as there is more height.
Difference Between Pitch Vs Flat Roof
| Pitched Roof |
Flat Roof |
| Aesthetically Pitched roofing is seen as the more traditional option. |
Flat roofing is popular with modern and contemporary designs. |
| If you live in damp climate than you should install pitched roof. |
If you live in hot area flat roof is the best. |
| So they have greater structural integrity. |
More unstable structurally. |
| Despite this, pitched roofs tend to cost less to maintain than flat roofs. |
Due to the greatly reduced downtime, flat roof installations can be very appealing. |
| Pitch roofs also provide better drainage due to their design |
Flat roofing is inefficient when it comes to drainage |
Flat Roof Vs Pitched Roof
A flat roof vs pitched roof is a topic of great debate. As we have seen the similarities and our focus will be on the
difference between pitch vs flat roof now, I will conclude with some of them that could work better for you.
Climate Resistance
Despite their popularity, gable roofs aren’t a good choice for windy climates because they are susceptible to uplift. As a result, a flat roof is not recommended in a cold climate due to its lack of steepness.
Cleaning and maintenance
It requires less attention on steeply sloped roofs. Its structure allows debris, water, and snow to flow off via gravity due to its steepness easily. However, flat roofs are more challenging to maintain.
Easy to Install
Flat roofs are usually easier to install than pitched roofs. Simple roofs require fewer materials and less labour, so they are relatively inexpensive to build. On the other hand, pitched roofs are more complicated to install.
Effort Savings
How well a roof insulates depends on the material it’s covered with. Flat roofs are better at insulating than pitched roofs since they may deliver high R-values consistently across the roof. Insulation installed on a low-slope roof provides an uninterrupted cover.
A greener house can harness more free energy through its roof. Fibreglass batt insulation on pitch roofs is not always as energy-efficient as a flat roof. With cavity insulation, thermal bridges can be hard to eliminate. In addition, solar panels are easily installed on a flat roof.
Bottom Line
Flat and pitched roofs possess different elements; the above is a significant difference. To determine the best roof for your home or business, you will need the advice and recommendation of a
roofing installation expert. When installing a roof, you should work with a licensed roofing contractor.
