Flat-Roof Designs for Houses

Advantages of Flat Roof Houses

• Flat roofs use the least amount of surface area to cover living spaces and are generally less expensive than peaked roofs, especially when covering larger homes. They are also easier to install and repair, creating fewer hazards for workers. Flat roofs often suit modern designs better than peaked roofs. They are also easier to fit with solar panels for green building designs, according to the Kanga Roof website.

Disadvantages of Flat Roof Houses

• Flat roofs do not have the angles of peaked roofs that allow rain and snow to fall naturally from the roof area. Rainwater can pool in low areas, causing damage to roofing material. Today's flat roofs offer improved gutter systems and a protective membrane to help materials withstand moisture. Snow can accumulate on the roof creating a need for greater weight-bearing capability. After heavy snowfalls, the homeowner may need to remove snow from the roof to prevent damage, or hire a contractor to do it.

Traditional Flat Roof Designs

• The traditional ranch home lends itself easily to a flat roof. The flat roof is often combined with natural stone or brick materials for a solid, outdoorsy look. This style of home looks good in suburban areas where large numbers of trees and other foliage contribute to the warm, cottagelike feel of the property. Mission-style homes, common in the American West and Southwest, use the simple lines of flat roofs to create a relaxed, unhurried feel. The Prairie-style home also utilizes the flat roof to repeat lines and images in the natural environment for a simple, yet elegant styling, as illustrated by the Frank Lloyd Wright home shown at the website Wright in Wisconsin.

Contemporary Flat Roof Houses

• Many contemporary home designs use the flat roof to incorporate the residence into the natural environment more easily.. These homes may offer large windows to enjoy attractive views or solar panels to utilize sunshine in warm climates. Flat roofs can offer more energy efficiency in these homes, without the tall peaks or attic areas that drain warmth and heat from rooms. Multilevel homes often use flat roofs to define the levels architecturally, yet provide efficient roofing with a low cost.