Flat Roof or Sloped Roof: Advantages and Disadvantages

Flat roofs and sloped roofs both are used frequently in modern constructions. Before choosing flat or sloped roof, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of both the roofs.

Advantages of flat roofs than sloped roofs

Here are some of the advantages of using flat roofs than sloped roofs listed below:

1. The construction process for flat roofs are simple.
2. For playing, gardenning, sleeping etc flat roofs are very effective.
3. Flat roofs can be made fire resistant more easily than the sloped roofs.
4. It has good insualtion than sloped roofs.
5. The total area required for roofing materials are lesser when flat roofs are used. The area is greater for sloped roofs.
6. Sloped roofs require ceiling while flat roofs don’t.
7. Flat roofs are more fire resistant.
8. Flat roofs are more stable while resisting wind pressure.

Disadvantages of flat roofs than sloped roofs

Flat roofs are not always advantageous. Flat roofs has also many disadvantages than sloped roofs which are listed below:

1. Flat roofs are not possible to build for larger spans without providing columns or beams in between.
2. Flat roofs can form cracks because of temperature fluctuation.
3. This roofs are incompatible in heavy snow or rainfall places.
4. It is difficult to findout leakage and repair.
5. Initial cost is greater for flat roofs than the sloped roofs.
6. Flat slabs require more construction time.
7. The dead load for a flat slab is higher than a sloped roof, so the size of structural members are comparatively bigger for flat slabs.