What is a flat roof?

Are you in the process of choosing roofing for your home, garage, extension, or commercial property? If so, you may be wondering “What is a flat roof?”. Flat roofs are a popular option for a variety of buildings due to their cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we specialise in flat roofing in Grimsby and Louth, providing a professional and reliable service to our customers throughout the area. Read on to find out more about flat roofs. 

An overview of flat roofs 

Flat roofs are those which are almost level. However, whilst they are described as ‘flat’, most of these roofs are actually slightly sloped to allow rainwater to run off to the side. This slope is usually around 10°, which is far lower than pitched roofs. Whilst flat roofs have long been prevalent in countries with warmer climates, they only really became common in the UK after World War Two. Often adopted due to their low construction costs, they are viewed as a cheaper alternative to standard pitched roofs. 

What are the benefits of flat roofs?

Now that you know what is a flat roof, you might be wondering what the benefits are of getting one. Here are just a few advantages of choosing a flat roof for your property: 

• Lower cost. Since flat roofs take up less space, they consequently use much less material than pitched roofs. This not only makes the initial construction cheaper but also provides significant savings if repairs are necessary. If you’re looking for a cost-effective roofing system for your home or commercial property, a flat roof could be the ideal solution.
• Versatility. Flat roofs are more versatile than pitched roofs, allowing for a variety of uses. Some people choose to turn their flat roofs into attractive rooftop gardens. They can give you additional outside space for relaxing, dining or entertaining all year round.
• Energy-efficiency. In many cases, a flat roof is far more energy-efficient than a pitched roof. Whilst the latter traps unwanted warm air or lets cooled air to escape, a flat roof has less overhead space for the air to stagnate. Flat roofs use innovative insulation methods and use newer materials that lower the overall heating and cooling demand.

How are flat roofs constructed? 

There are significant differences between constructing flat roofs and pitched roofs. Firstly, we lay joists across the two vertical items, which is usually the walls of the building. Steel joists are common since they offer more stability. They are usually installed in one if not both walls. There’s normally approximately 400mm between the joists, however, the distance largely depends on the size of the roof as well as the type of material. The amount of pressure on top should be minimal. 

Once the joists are in place, we use plywood decking to cover them. The distance between them is again determined by how much weight will be placed upon them. Achieving the correct balance is vital since too much weight will result in an unable roof. We’ll build a frame into the roof to create a small slope for draining away rainwater. 

The decking and joists are fitted together using tongue and groove fitting. This enhances the strength and stability of the roofing structure. The integrity of the material is also increased, allowing it to withstand the effects of the elements over time. The boards are waterproofed using an extra layer of material. This is usually EPDM rubber, although other options are available. A sealant is added to protect the interior of the building. 

Can I install a flat roof myself? 

Whilst it’s possible to install a flat roof yourself, most people enlist the services of a professional roofing company. Even if you pride yourself on your DIY skills, flat roof installation is a specialist job and usually requires the services of experienced roofers. Many people contact Raven Roofing and Repairs when they need a flat roof installed to the highest possible standards. We specialise in flat roofing in Grimsby and Louth, with our team installing hundreds of these structures over the years.  

How to maintain a flat roof

If you do decide to install a flat roof on your property, it’s important to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that there are no minor problems that could develop into bigger issues over time. This will maximise the lifespan of your roof and help you to avoid costly bills. Scheduling six-monthly checks is a good idea for keeping a flat roof in good condition. You can then fix any problems promptly before they become more serious. 

We also recommend regularly removing debris from your flat roof. This includes leaves, twigs, dirt, mould, and algae. Whilst it will always collect on a roof at any time of the year, you shouldn’t let it build up. Doing so could block your gutters and even lead to water pooling on top of the roof, which can lead to a myriad of more serious problems. If your property is close to trees, try to trim them as much as possible. This will help to avoid debris falling down onto the roof and ensure that you need to remove this build-up less regularly. 

Contact us 

If you’re still not sure what is a flat roof or you’d like to discuss your flat roofing requirements with one of our experienced roofers, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach us on 01472 565 084 (Grimsby) or 01507 640 072 (Louth), or alternatively, send us a message via our website. We’ll aim to get back to you with the answers to your questions as soon as we can. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for the roofing services you require.