There are two major types of roofs; these are; flat roofs and pitched roofs. In construction, a roof pitch generally refers to the extent to which a roof is steep.
Flat roofs are those roofs whose pitch is less than 15 degrees horizontally. Pitched roofs are roofs that slope downwards and have a pitch of greater than 15 degrees.
Although Flat Roofers Basingstoke do not install complete pitched roofs, we can carry out repairs on tiling and slating.
Pitched roofs in the UK
In the UK, pitched roofs are the most common because of the climate. Most homeowners prefer pitched roofs since they drain off rainwater faster compared to the flat roofs.
When using a pitched roof design for your house, you can incorporate various architectural features like valley, hips, dormers, and gable. These features not only make your roof serve its purpose effectively, but it also goes a long way in leaving your house aesthetically pleasing.
When constructing a pitched roof, it is crucial to determine the material to use for your roofing effectively. This is because the material you use will determine the pitch of your roof.
You can use various materials, including ceramic, slate, tiles, zinc, and reed. The material determines the pitch in that when using certain materials; you require a steeper pitch compared to others. For example, slate roofing requires a much steeper pitch compared to concrete tiled roofing. A steeper pitch on a slate roof enables it to drain off rainwater properly.
Why should you choose a pitched roof over a flat roof?
Pitched roofs have a pitch/ steepness ranging from 15 degrees to 70 degrees. Low-pitched roofs have a pitch ranging between 8 degrees and 15 degrees while the flat roofs have a pitch that is less than 8 degrees.
Pitched roofs facilitate thermal insulation; houses with pitched roofing are usually 12% more compact than houses with flat roofing. This limits the surface exposed to the exterior and in turn, facilitates higher thermal insulation.
Pitched roofs can withstand various environmental hazards; they can withstand wind, ice, and water and are therefore useful in wet areas and those with changing weather. Flat roofs, on the other hand, are effective in dry areas.
Advantages of pitched roofs
The lower emission of CO2 to about 16%, they help you create more space and do not require frequent maintenance.
Economic benefits of pitched roofs
Cost
It is cheaper to use pitched roofs in terms of their purchase price and its lifespan. You will only need to renovate them after thirty years, meaning that their lifespan is very long.
Repair
Repairs are less frequent, and their claddings are easy to repair.
Environment
Using pitched roofs saves CO2 of approximately 26 tones within a lifespan of 50 years. This is not the case in flat roofs.
Water drain
Pitched roofs allow rainwater to drain off fast, which prevents water damage.
Weather conditions
Pitched roofs are common in the UK since they can withstand harsh weather conditions, are durable and require less maintenance.