There are some cases in building construction when having a flat rather than a pitched roof is better. For instance, if there is ducting on the roof that needs regular maintenance or rooflights that need cleaning being able to access the roof easily is an advantage.

Many companies choose a flat roof construction because it is a cheaper alternative to a pitched roof when it is constructed and has lower repair costs. Flat roofs assume less space and consequently use less material than sloped roofs. This makes initial construction cheaper but also means savings if any extensive repairs become necessary in the future.

In a domestic setting, some homeowners turn their flat roofs into rooftop gardens. Flat roofs are also ideal for roof deck construction allowing homeowners to make a sun terrace which with a rail fitted around for safety purposes may add value to a property.

Flat roofs are a fantastic way to reduce home energy costs, especially in warmer climates. Solar panels can be fitted more easily than on a sloped roof to provide hot water or electricity via an inverter.

Although the lifespan of a flat roof is shorter than a traditionally tiled sloped roof if constructed with a longer-lasting roofing material the flat roof can actually last longer.

If you have a room with a flat roof and want to add more natural light in then you may opt for a skylight or rooflight. They are great if you don’t have space for vertical windows within your home and they are a stylish yet discreet feature. Many architects are including rooflights in their designs to give them a modern twist.

There are a number of benefits in installing a rooflight in your flat roof. When skylights first hit the market they were quite expensive but over time they have become increasingly more affordable and therefore more accessible to many.

Rooflights can also allow you to what the stars from the comfort of your room and are often a popular choice for bedrooms. You need not worry about having to have blinds as they are on the roof so cannot be looked in to.

Our bodies respond well to natural light, letting that into your home can give you a natural boost that you can’t quite appreciate without having one in your home. Natural light costs nothing and you won’t need to use your interior lights as much meaning you can save money on your electricity bills as well as getting a boost for your mood.

More and more builders and roofers are now offering flat roofing services, but are they ever going to be as good as using somebody knowledgeable and experienced. The answer is, quite possibly not. You can’t put a price on experience, and the more experienced a flat roof specialist is, the better equipped they will be to install your roof.

Look for people with many years of experience behind them, who don’t use subcontractors. You want to make sure you are talking to the person who will be installing the roof yourself, so you can asses their skills and how much they seem to know about the subject.

Flat roofs may be popular, but they are notoriously difficult to install correctly. Rubber and EPDM roofing, and fibreglass, are all good materials, but not if they aren’t installed well. You can get issues with roofs leaking very easily, as water can begin to pool. Look at previous work a roofer has completed to asses their experience.

Rooflights will most often be used on a flat roof, as this is the easiest fitting process and it will give you multiple options for your rooflights. However, a roof doesn’t have to be completely flat. It is possible to fit flat glass rooflights into roofs with a slight pitch – however, this wouldn’t really work with other kinds of rooflights, such as roof lanterns. It all depends on the type of rooflight you would like and where you want to position it.

It’s also possible to fit rooflights into a roof with a greater pitch. This is often called a roof window, as it will look more like a window from the outside. These types of rooflight are often used in attic rooms, where the roof is very steep but it’s important to get some more natural light inside.

The main thing to do is know what type of roof you have, so you can check it with the specifications of the rooflight you want.

Has your roof sprung a leak yet again?

Let’s face it most flat roofs are made in such a way that they tend to leak even if you diligently maintain them. The primary culprit for leaking roofs is usually puddles of water standing on the roof for more than two days.

When you discover a leak, determining how to deal with it is not always straightforward.The first thing to determine is whether you need to replace or repair the roof.

Before calling flat roof repair Rushden professionals you need to conduct an assessment:

Conducting an Assessment

It is best to hire flat roof repair experts to look at the roof before making any decisions. Ensure you get a roofing expert rather than a general contractor who may not have much knowledge about flat roofs and may give you wrong advice. Continue reading →