When constructing a residential home or commercial building, you’ll have a lot of design choices to make. One of the first is choosing between a flat roof vs. a sloped roof. A trusted roofing contractor in Austin, TX, can provide advice about the pros and cons of each option.
How Pitches Differ Among Various Roof Designs
When you select a sloped design, it will have a minimum pitch of 2 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run. Severely sloped designs may have a pitch of 12 to 18 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run.
Flat designs, despite the name, aren’t exactly level to the ground, which helps roof drainage. A pitch of about 1/2 inch per 12 inches of run is commonly considered a “flat” design.
Advantages of Selecting a Sloped Design
A traditional sloped roof's biggest advantage is its ability to quickly shed rain, reducing the risk of leaks. It doesn’t require you to add sealant every few years, as a flat design does.
When building a home, you can use a variety of roof angles to enhance its curb appeal. Still, people don’t usually expect to see a flat roof on a residential property.
Why Some People Prefer a Flat Design
The biggest advantage of a flat design is the lower cost, as it’s often easier to install.
The horizontal orientation offers excellent weather resistance by staying out of the path of strong winds. If you want to install solar panels for energy efficiency, a flat roof helps perfectly orient the panels toward the sun. Having a horizontal layout also allows the building or home designer to maximize interior space.
How a Roofing Contractor in Austin, TX, Ensures the Desired Results
For most property owners, the question of a flat roof vs. a sloped roof doesn’t enter their minds. People who are building a residential home nearly always pick a sloped design, while commercial buildings use flat designs. However, a trusted roofing contractor in Austin, TX, can explain why you don’t have to be pigeonholed into these traditional options.
Experienced roofers take your design preferences into consideration. They also ask whether you want to emphasize a long-lasting option or are primarily concerned with efficient water movement before advising you accordingly.
Companies with a track record of handling multiple materials, pitches, and designs when building roofs can offer the most valuable suggestions, giving you a design that perfectly complements your dream home.
Selecting the Right Pitch Needs Careful Consideration: Longhorn Roofing’s Experts Can Help
Whether you’re considering metal panels, or a dimensional shingle roof, seeking professional help is essential. At Longhorn Roofing, we can help you decide the right option for a home or commercial building, starting with considering a flat roof vs. a sloped roof.
We’ll provide advice on roof lifespan, maintenance requirements, and installation costs to help you make the right choice. For a free cost estimate, contact us today at (512) 379-5469.
