Is a Shingle Roof Better Than a Flat Roof?

Choosing the right roof type for your Atlanta, Georgia property is a task that’s best left to professionals. Although you might like the clean lines and minimalist aesthetics of flat roofing, roofers account for things like possible snow loads, ice accumulation, annual precipitation, and more. Whether you’re having a new home or business custom-built, modifying existing construction, or adding a new structure to your property, you should understand the benefits and drawbacks of both shingles and flat roofs.

Flat Roofs and Pitched Roofs

Roofs are either flat or pitched. Adding a slope to these structures promotes rapid runoff so that rainwater and snow melt don’t turn into stagnant pools. Both gradual and steep roof slopes protect a roof’s substrate from moisture damage. However, the greater a roof’s slope is, the more protection its substrate ultimately has.

Contrary to popular belief, flat roofs aren’t completely flat. These roofs have a slight slope to promote runoff. A flat roof has a minimum pitch of 1:12 which means that it rises at a rate of 1 inch per every 12 inches of horizontal distance traveled from its edge to its apex.

Shingles are never installed on flat roofs. Despite their slight pitch, flat roofs are not sloped enough to promote sufficiently rapid runoff. Given the nature and layout of shingles, these roofing materials would trap moisture and lead to eventual roofing damage if used on essentially flat surfaces.

The Benefits of Flat Roofs

You’re unlikely to see flat roofs in residential applications. Atlanta doesn’t get a lot of snow, but it does get a fair amount of ice. These weighty accumulations can wreak havoc on flat roofs if they aren’t designed and built just right and if they don’t reflect the needs and nuances of the individual building.

However, when they’re a feasible choice, flat roofs can be a highly economical option. Due to their simplistic design, flat roofs have the least amount of surface area. Flat roofs also offer modern, minimalist aesthetics, and they allow for a more cohesive interior space.

The Benefits of Pitched Roofs

There are many different types of pitched roofs. From a visual perspective, this allows for more design flexibility and customized aesthetics. Moreover, by efficiently routing water away from the building via their slopes and their connected gutters and downspouts, pitched roofs greatly minimize the risk of water damage. It’s also important to note that shingles are currently the top choice for residential roofing in the nation, and most asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years.

At Atlanta Premier Roofing , we proudly serve residents of Atlanta, Georgia and the surrounding area. We offer shingle roofs, flat roofs, roof repair services, and advanced roof coatings. If you need help choosing the right roofing style for your home or business, give Atlanta Premier Roofing a call today!