Drainage is one of the single biggest problems you are likely to encounter with a flat roof. A flat roof’s design should always include a fall to drain off water. Even where there are small deflections, the better the roof drains, the less likely it will be that you will get ponding problems. A poorly designed flat roof, which lacks sufficient drainage will always lead to damage to your property.

Spotting flat roof issues

With regular inspection, many issues can be dealt with in a speedy, straightforward way. That being said, a flat roof’s wet and dry sections will always behave differently. There is an inherent risk of stress cracks where the two areas meet, and this point is especially vulnerable to potential damage. Despite these issues, the initial building cost of a flat roof will have been lower, and of course that is likely to have been the main reason a flat roof was installed in the first place.

The covering of a flat roof, largely due to issues with drainage, is likely to require replacement every 10-20 years. If your flat roof has drainage issues, and the covering requires replacement, it is definitely advisable to consider whether a more durable solution might be in your long-term best interests.

Low pitch roofing lifespan

The likelihood of leaks and the short life span of the coverings are the main problems with flat roofs. The lifespan of a low pitch roof is much longer and the risk of leaking is significantly reduced, as rain water will run off far more effectively, eliminating the problem of pooling.

Low pitch roofing durability

The difference in durability and leak resistance between low pitch and flat roof solutions is significant. The difference between a low pitch roof of around 25 degrees and an even lower pitch is insignificant in terms of durability and leak resistance, but substantive in terms of aesthetic and cost considerations.

Low pitch roofing materials vary considerably, however some cannot be installed at as low a pitch as others. Metrotile’s specialist lightweight roofing can be installed as low as 10 degrees which is the lowest available on the market. This makes Metrotile the most suitable roofing for converting from flat to pitch or for whatever your project that requires high quality low pitch tiles.

Tile materials

The roofing material chosen may also help to reduce installation time. Lightweight roofing is much easier to transport around site, ensuring a safe construction site for the roofing installers. With safe transportation, you can lift and install the roof tiles with ease which can mean a faster installation.

Metrotile are experts when it comes to low pitch roof tiles and can even give advice as to what solution will suit your particular needs. If you’re currently looking to fit a low-pitched roof, then why not contact Metrotile today by calling us on 01249 658 514 or fill in our contact form.