Sloped Roofing vs Flat Roofing: The Pros and Cons of Each
Can’t decide between investing in sloped or flat roofing in Toronto? Both options come with their own benefits and potential drawbacks, making the choice a difficult one! As roofing experts in Toronto, we’ll use this article to tell you everything you need to know about sloped and flat roofing.
Flat Roofing
While you may notice more flat roofing in apartment blocks and commercial areas, flat roofing can also be incorporated into basic residential homes. Commercial flat roofing is typically made from concrete or metal and offers a host of benefits, whereas residential is often built with lumber.
Pros
- Easy access to the roof.
- Energy efficient.
- Modern look and feel.
- Create a ‘green’ roof by planting a rooftop garden.
- You can easily install solar panels.
- It is relatively easy to maintain and inspect.
- Convert your flat roof into an outdoor living space.
- Provides the opportunity to build an additional storey at a later stage.
- Can be expensive to build and maintain.
- Issues with water pooling during heavy rains.
Sloped Roofing
Also referred to as pitched or angled roofing, sloped roofing is more commonly found in residential neighbourhoods. This type of roofing is usually made from asphalt shingles, slate, or cedar.
Pros
- Sloped roofs have a longer lifespan.
- Better water run-off.
- More affordable overall.
- It requires fewer inspections than flat roofing.
- Ideal for snowy and rainy climates.
- Can be quite challenging to maintain and inspect.
- Building an additional storey on top of a sloped roof is not really possible without major renovations.
- There is no opportunity to create an additional outdoor living space.
The type of roofing that is best suited to you will depend on your budget, lifestyle requirements, type of property, preferred aesthetics, and a variety of other factors. Take the time to consider both options carefully, looking at the various pros and cons, before you make your final decision.
Whether you’re looking to install sloped or flat roofing in Toronto, the team at E. W. Smith Roofing is here to help. In addition to roof installation services, we also offer repairs and maintenance.
Please get in touch with us today to chat about all your roofing needs in the Greater Toronto Area.