Why Do Houses Have Flat Roofs

Monday june 25 2018.

Why do houses have flat roofs.

A specific angled roof ensures that any precipitation flows off quickly enough not to do any damage to the roofing shingles no pooling or gathering. This is one of the chief reasons why large buildings like malls or warehouses tend to have flat roofs. Flat roofs or low slope roofs are also commonly found on commercial buildings throughout the world. Calling this type of structure flat is a bit of a misnomer because no roof is ever really flat.

Flat roofs must be slightly sloped towards the middle or the edges to allow water to drain properly. It has a very low slope between 1 4 to 1 2 inch per foot so that it drains water. From the initial building and installation to the materials most often used to cover the roof flat roofs are fairly cheap. Generally speaking residential roofs have a slope because most homes see some sort of precipitation no matter their location.

All roofs must be slightly sloped to allow for proper drainage. But such a low slope holds snow and water much longer than a steeply pitched roof and therefore needs a very different material to stay watertight. Flat rooftops especially those with decks definitely require more maintenance and consideration than traditional pitched roofs. Barry winiker getty images.

A more appropriate name is low slope roof. By far the biggest advantage of using a flat roof is the expense. The futuristic designs of architect designed homes for wealthy clients during the era like in the concept rendering shown below percolated down to more modest versions in model homes of housing developments around florida. Also the reduced surface area of the roof helps prevent the.

Because they aren t used as homes there is no need to be as concerned with the roofing. Flat roofs are an ancient form mostly used in arid climates and allow the roof space to be used as a living space or a living roof. Flat or adobe style roofs are found mostly in the desert areas because they do not have to funnel snow ice and water off the roofs. They have come a long way in how they are constructed.