If you’re in the process of building a home, you might be wondering which roof style will be best for you. Should you choose a sloped or a flat surface? Well, in truth, a sloped almost always makes the most sense. Let’s take a look at these two roof types and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of each.

Unfortunately, when it comes to finding the ‘pros’ to a flat roof, they are few and far between. The only beneficial factors to a flat roof are the fact that nobody will really see it, so the esthetics of the material you choose are obsolete, and the cost of construction for a flat roof is less than the cost of a sloped roof. However, the list of ‘cons’ for the flat roof is far more numerous.

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Flat roofs are prone to leakage. Because water, snow, and ice sit longer on a flat roof, and do not run off efficiently, flat roofs are far more susceptible to leakage than their sloped counterparts. Also, flat roofing is subject to extra weight, this is especially true in areas where snow and ice are common. This added weight will guarantee structural weakness over time. Flat roofs also lose stability as square footage increases; the larger the structure, the weaker the roof. Flat roof surfaces catch leaves and other debris easily; so regular cleaning is required, especially in deciduous areas. Flat roofs are often used for modern architecture, and should you choose to go this route, be prepared to increase your maintenance schedule.

Sloped roofing tends to be more popular and comes with its own list of pros and cons. A sloped roof will allow for adequate run off and can be more thoroughly insulated. Sloped roofs almost always improve home appraisal and require less maintenance than do flat roof styles. However, sloped roofs are not without their own issues. Sloped roofs can be more costly than flat styles and homeowners are faced with the selection of the most esthetic material and style. Depending on your location, sloped roofs can run from relatively inexpensive to completely outrageous. Because sloped roofs are visible, style and color of material is of vital importance. Balancing the aesthetics of your roof to that of the comparables in your neighborhood and the current style of the rest of your home is imperative for maintaining property value. For these reasons, sloped roofing is a major investment that should not be entered into without thought.

All in all, sloped roofs get a better consumer rating than their flat counterparts. But, if you’re still leaning toward the flat style, be sure you’re located in an area that is flat-roof-friendly. For example, heavily wooded areas are unadvisable for the flat roof because of debris accumulation.

Remember, either style you choose should be selected based on your individual needs and your personal preferences. If you’re planning to resale, you should probably choose the roofing style that’s most popular in your area. But if you’re building your dream home, and you love a flat roof – go for it! The choice is really up to you.

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