Flat roofs may be relatively cheap to fit, but they can cause home owners a number of issues. Many people choose to address this by converting to a pitched roof, but is this the right option for you? Here are some of the things you should consider when making a decision.

Weatherproofing

Flat roofs have a reputation for leaking and this is one of the main reasons people make the switch. Two of the most common reasons flat roofs can leak are:

• Poor fitting –a bad installation may leave gaps in the waterproofing, the roof may lack the slight pitch needed to prevent water collecting on it, or your guttering may become blocked if fitted badly. All of these can allow water to penetrate the roof and enter your house.

• Bad maintenance – a flat roof needs regular attention to ensure its upper surface remains waterproof. UV damage from sunlight, small holes or tears caused by animals and abrasion of the waterproof membrane due to people walking on it can all result in water leakage.

A pitched roof has a significant advantage when it comes to keeping out rain. The roof’s slope allows the water to naturally flow away, minimising the amount of time it spends on the roof.

The materials used for pitched roofs are usually much thicker and harder wearing than those used on flat roofs, making it much less likely they will suffer enough damage to allow water through.

Lifespan

Even a well-fitted, correctly maintained flat roof will not last for ever. Most installers will quote an effective lifespan of around 20 to 30 years for their products, though many homeowners experience failure within ten years or less. Again, this very much depends on how well the roof was fitted and what maintenance it receives, as well as the weather conditions it is exposed to.

Pitched roofs generally last significantly longer than this, with many homeowners never needing to replace their roof. At Metrotile, we offer a 40 year weatherproof guarantee on all our pitched roofs, though in practice they should ideally last even longer before needing replacement.

Planning permission

Replacing a flat roof like-for-like does not normally require planning permission, but re-pitching it usually will. If planning permission is an issue, a lower pitched roof may be easier to get past the planners while still offering the benefits of a pitched roof. Our lightweight roof tiles are ideal for low pitched roofs where the shallower profile means more of the tiles’ weight must be carried by the roof’s internal support structure, rather than through the buildings’ walls, as would be the case with a higher pitched roof.

For more about the rules on planning permission and roofing, take a look at the government’s planning portal.

If you’d like more information about how Metrotile roofing can help you improve your home, feel free to get in touch via our online contact form or give us a call on 01249 658 514.