A flat roof has advantages, but certainly also disadvantages. If you're considering buying a house with a flat roof, it's always recommended to have a building inspection carried out by Homekeur. We can inspect the condition of your flat roof for you and document everything in a building inspection report , providing you with all the necessary information. Does the roof need replacing, or are there other issues that could lead to costs? You'll find this information in the report you receive from us after the inspection. We're happy to explain 7 disadvantages of a flat roof.
Compared to a sloped tiled roof, a flat roof is less resistant to more extreme temperatures. If it's very cold in winter or very hot in summer, the flat roof material will shrink or expand. This doesn't happen with a tiled roof. The "working" of a flat roof under high or low temperatures can cause cracks in the roof covering to develop more quickly.
There's always a greater risk of leakage with a flat roof than with a pitched roof. This is partly due to the way a flat roof works. Cracks develop more easily and can gradually grow. Ultimately, this often leads to leakage. In some cases, repairs can be relatively simple, but this can certainly be more expensive.
Water can easily drain from a sloped roof, but not from a flat roof. During a heavy downpour, a considerable amount of water can accumulate on a flat roof, creating significant weight. The water can't drain easily, so under certain conditions it can remain there for extended periods. This compromises the quality of the roof covering. The risk of leaks increases, as does the risk of mold in the house due to damp problems.
Are you considering buying a house with a flat roof installed 25 years ago? Then you should consider that the roof will need replacing within a few years. Flat roofs last an average of 30 years, but only if they're high-quality. Tiled roofs last much longer and therefore don't need replacing as often.
Many homeowners pay attention to properly insulating their homes. It's more energy-efficient and results in a better energy rating, which naturally has its advantages. Roof insulation is significantly more common in homes with pitched roofs than in those with flat roofs. An uninsulated roof results in higher energy costs. Often, a flat roof is not (yet) insulated. It's important to check this. If there's no insulation, it's wise to have the flat roof insulated.
Flat roofs offer a good surface for dirt to accumulate. Think, for example, of leaves that accumulate on the flat roof in the fall and rot there. You could also think of bird droppings, for example. Dirt blows and washes away less easily from a flat roof than from a pitched roof. So, you'll have more work to do to keep the roof clean.
Roofs, of course, need to be inspected. This applies to all roofs. However, a flat roof requires more frequent inspection and maintenance than a pitched roof. It's important to have a flat roof professionally inspected at least once a year. Pitched roofs don't require an annual inspection.
By having a building inspection carried out, you'll gain clarity about the condition of your flat roof and, of course, the rest of your home. When Homekeur carries out this inspection for you, you'll receive a building inspection report . This way, you'll always have a clear picture of the condition of your roof and the rest of your home. Will you face any costs down the road, for example, for replacement, maintenance, or repairs? We'll be happy to clarify this for you. You can schedule a building inspection right away. Would you like to know more first? Feel free to contact us without obligation.
The cost of an energy label (up to 190 m²) is only €349 including VAT. A certified energy advisor will visit you, inspect the property, and officially register the energy label in EP-online. If the property is larger than 190 m², we charge €0.65 per additional square meter. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and, if desired, can schedule an appointment with a certified advisor right away!
