Planning and building a new home includes making many important decisions—one of which is deciding the type of roof you want. There are a few options, but it typically boils down to whether you want a pitched or flat roof.
Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages between flat roof vs pitched roof homes, including material options and the costs associated with each.
What Is A Flat Roof?
The term "flat roof" is a bit of a misnomer, as flat roofs aren't really flat despite looking like they are. Every roof requires a pitch to help with drainage, but the pitch of flat roofs is so minimal the roof appears flat. It is a common choice for commercial buildings but is also used in homes with a modern appearance.
Pros Of A Flat Roof
There are some notable advantages of having a flat roof, such as:
A Modern Aesthetic: The clean, straight, minimalistic lines of modern design are a popular trend for homes and businesses alike, and flat roofs fit that trend perfectly.
Lower Upfront Cost: When comparing the installation cost of flat roof to pitched roof surfaces, flat roofs are cheaper because they have a simpler structure, require fewer materials, and go up quickly.
Versatility: Flat roofs are versatile and offer more usable space. You can use it for a rooftop garden or a deck for your family and friends to enjoy.
Energy Efficient: A flat roof is an incredibly energy-efficient option because there is no overhead space for air to stagnate, which helps save on utility costs.
Cons Of A Flat Roof
However, there are also some notable disadvantages:
More Maintenance Required: Flat roofs have more structural concerns, especially where snow and rain are an issue.
High Risk of Leaks: Despite the slight slope of flat roofs, they still aren't the most efficient at draining excess water. It can leave puddles of water on the roof that can cause leaks if left unmanaged.
Limited Materials Options: There is a significant gap between flat roof house and pitched roofing material options, with flat roofs having fewer options.
What Is A Pitched Roof?
A pitched roof has a peak and sides that slope downward. There are many types of pitched roofs, from the simple gable roof to the more complex hip-and-valley roofs.
Pros Of A Pitched Roof
A Traditional Choice: A pitched roof is a more traditional option that will fit better with a classic aesthetic.
Longer Lifespan: Pitched roofs can last 20 years or more since they can shed water and snow more easily.
Less Maintenance: A pitched roof requires less maintenance since rain and snow slide off pitched roofs easily, which minimizes the risk of leaks and damage.
Cons Of A Pitched Roof
More Expensive: Flat roofs take longer to construct and require more materials, which creates higher upfront costs. The material you choose can also add to this cost.
A Less Modern Aesthetic: If you want a modern aesthetic, it is more difficult to achieve with a pitched roof.
Flat Roof Cost Vs. Pitched Roof Cost
There are many areas to consider regarding the cost difference for flat roof vs. pitched roof structures. They include:
Installation Costs
The installation cost of a flat roof compared to a pitched roof is one significant difference. Flat roofs are a more affordable option than the cost on average between $250 to $900 per roofing square, which equates to about $2.50 to $9 per square foot. The flat roof material you choose will also affect the cost.
A pitched roof costs more, starting at around $5,800 and going up to $12,500. The cost varies greatly for pitched roofs, depending on the square footage, the pitch of the roof, and the materials you choose.
Material Costs
The material cost for flat roof cost vs. pitched roofs is another factor. Flat roofs generally have fewer options because they cannot have traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles. Instead, they have roof coatings, like fiberglass, single-ply membrane, EPDM, TPO, and more. Generally, these can cost around $4 to $10 per square foot. Metal roofing is also an option that costs anywhere from $4 to $30 per square foot.
Pitched vs. flat roof material cost is where cost differences become more noticeable. Cheaper materials like asphalt shingles will cost, on average, about $3 to $6 per square foot, and the cost of materials slowly increases, with slate being the most expensive.
Labor Costs
Professional flat roofers charge around $40 to $80 per hour or $2 to $7 per square foot in labor costs. This includes inspection, preparing the property, removing the old roof, and installing the new roof. If there are any issues with the roof decking, it can add additional costs.
Labor costs for pitched roofs are similar, though the roof's pitch can significantly affect the labor cost. The materials you choose also affect the price, with materials like cedar shakes and shingles, clay tiles, concrete tiles, and slate costing more to install because they require an expert installer to ensure proper installation.
Maintenance Costs
Flat roof maintenance costs typically include things like reapplying roof coating, cleaning, and inspections. Applying a new roof coating can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, or around $1 to $4 per square foot. Roof inspections can cost anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on the roof size.
Maintenance costs for a pitched roof vs. a flat roof will vary, as some materials require more maintenance than others. Inspection costs can range from $150 to $300 for a physical inspection, with steeper-pitched roofs having a higher cost. Materials like cedar shakes and shingles require a great deal of maintenance, costing around $765 to clean the roof, though the cost will vary depending on location, roof size, and other factors.
Repair Costs
The cost of repairs to a flat roof house vs. a pitched roof can vary significantly depending on the type of repair necessary. Generally, flat roof repairs can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,250 for a 1,500-square-foot flat roof. Another way to look at it is $3 to $15 per square foot for a professional repair. A leak repair can cost around $750 while repairing severe hail damage can cost up to $4,000.
Pitched roof repairs get significantly higher, ranging from $150 to $8,000, depending on the type of repair. However, homeowners generally spend an average of $1,150 for pitched roof repairs. Things that influence this cost are the type of damage, its extent, and the roofing material you have.
Insurance Costs
Factors that can affect insurance premiums include the age and condition of the roof, the materials, roof shape, design, and geographical location.
Despite this, in comparing the cost of insurance, a flat roof can have higher premium rates. This is due to the potential for water pooling, which increases the potential for leaks. Pitched roofs depend on the shape; hip roofs can have lower rates, while options like gable and gambrel roofs offer more moderate rates.
Materials also matter; asphalt shingles and wood shakes and shingles can go for moderate to high rates because they are more susceptible to damage from the elements, like wind and fire.
A Roofing Material For Flat And Pitched Roofs
While most typical residential roofing materials don't work for flat roofs, there is one that can put the debate to rest: composite roofing tiles, roofing tiles made of compressed plastics, and other sustainable materials.
Brava is a leading manufacturer of composite roofing tiles that offers styles that mimic popular pitched roofing materials like Cedar Shakes, Old World Slate, and Spanish Barrel Tiles. The difference is that Brava's products offer more durability. The benefits of Brava are endless:
Brava is a great option for any climate because their products can withstand intense UV rays, high winds (up to 188 MPH with nail installation and 211 MPH with high wind screw installation), rain, hail, and snow. They are also Miami-Dade Certified and will not crack, chip, rot, or grow mold.
Class 4 Impact Rating and Class A Fire Rating are the highest ratings possible for housing materials. Their Class A fire rating ensures that they can be installed even in the strictest of areas, like wildfire-prone California.
Each style has numerous color options that will never chip or fade. Color customization is also an option for a more unique appearance.
Build Your Flat and Pitched Roof Homes with Brava
Flat and pitched roofs have their own advantages, but the choice is yours—and also a matter of preference.
Regardless of the choice, choosing the right material can make all the difference in the lifespan and level of protection you receive. For the most protection, there is no better option than Brava's composite roofing, which can transform a home–just look at their projects!
Contact Brava today to learn more about using Brava Roofing Tiles on your roof and request samples to see the product's beauty for yourself.
