Most traditional homes have a steep-slope roof, and there’s a good reason for this; they prevent water from stagnating which can lead to corrosion. Moreover, it also reduces the amount of debris and snow that builds on the roof, all of which help in prolonging the life of the roof.
If you want your house to stand out from the crowd, you should consider flat/low slope roofing. In the past, they were synonymous with commercial and large buildings, but they are now also used in houses. While it can be nerve-racking to try out new roofing styles, you can rest assured knowing you’re in safe hands when you work with highly trained and experienced contractors. Here are three reasons to consider low slope roofing:
Affordability
Building a house is costly, and you want to make sure you make savings whenever possible. Most steep-slope roofs are cheap to manufacture, which translates to a low price. Moreover, they are straightforward to install, which further helps in bringing the price down. They are also easy to maintain and replace.
Additionally, steep-slope roofs can serve you for as many as 20 years.
Easy Cleaning
Warmth and humidity are the ideal breeding ground for moss and algae, which can leak havoc on your roof if left untreated. Flat roofs are easy to clean, thanks partly to the materials that are used in their manufacture. You can do it yourself, but it would be best to leave the cleaning work to experienced professionals lest you fail to do it correctly.
It would also be best to consider having annual inspections to prolong the life of your roof.
Extra Space
Flat roofs make it easier to make installations such as solar panels and air conditioners which help make life easier. The same cannot be said about slopping roofs. Additionally, flat roofs can be used for other purposes, such as being converted into a garden out sitting area.
Improved Heating and Cooling
In the case of a steep slope, there’s a lot of extra space below which can affect how the air conditioner works. On the other hand, there’s limited space below a low-slope roof that limits the amount of air that builds, making it easier to cool and heat the house as you please.
What Roof Systems Fits Well With a Low Slope Roof?
All roofing systems aren’t created equal, and as such, a low-slope roof doesn’t work with all roof systems. It’s recommended for the following types of roof systems:
Membrane Roof Systems
There’s a need to waterproof a low-slope roof because it’s not uncommon for the water to build up. As such, membrane roof systems are the most commonly used roofing systems. As the name suggests, membrane roof systems are made of a sheet of metal of varying measurements and help to ward off water.
There are three main types of membrane roofing systems including EPDM, PVC, and TPO. We’ll cover this in detail in the coming articles. All of them are used for residential buildings. However, each is used under different circumstances. For example, if the roof is visible from outside your window, it would be best to opt for a darker instead of a white membrane because dirt will show. On the other hand, if the bedroom is below the roof, you’re better off using TPO or PVC to keep the space cool.
Metal Roof Systems
This is the second-most used roofing system used for a low-slope roof. There are two types; a standing seam and a screw-down. As the name suggests, a standing seam is made of panels locked at the seams, which allows for contraction and expansion based on the weather. On the other hand, a screw-down roof system does not allow expansion and contraction.
Conclusion
This article has brought you up to speed with everything you need to know about low-slope roofing, including the roofing systems that work best with it. It’s now up to you to decide whether it works for you. If you’ve decided to adopt it or are on the fence, you should consider reaching out to experienced contractors to advise or install it. Contact Elite Roofing for a quote.
