Cons of a flat roof
Flat roofs are now commonly made from a material known as EPDM, which has helped take their lifespan from 20 years to 30. However, this is still 20 less years than you’ll get from a pitched roof.
You could further increase its longevity by laying down an asphalt roof, but this will require either a concrete base to start with or a similar strengthed foundation. And again, even with this extra work, it is still unlikely that it will outlive its pitched counterpart.
Flat roofs will also require much more maintenance, and therefore incur more day to day costs. It might be, with maintenance, and the early replacement, your flat roof eats away all those initial savings you got during construction.
How much does a flat roof cost?
The cost of a flat roof will depend on your chosen building material. On average, to build a flat roof, you’ll be looking at…
- Felt - £50 - 70 m2 (square metre)
- EPDM - £80 - 100 m2
- Fibreglass - £90 - 120 m2
However, take these prices with a pinch of salt. Prices will vary hugely, depending on your location, accessibility, the details of the job, and the expertise level of your tradesperson.
Pros of a pitched roof
There’s a reason so many people prefer the pitched roof, and the biggest reason of all is their longevity. On the whole, a pitched roof will likely outlive any flat roof contender, thanks to the higher quality materials used in their construction.
They also require less maintenance too. Partly because of the stern stuff they’re made from, but also because those sloping sides help drain away rainwater, avoiding any destructive pooling.
You’ll also be able to maximise on the space in your home, thanks to those high ceilings a pitched roof can provide. This means extra space for your money, another reason why pitched might be more cost effective in the long run.
Speaking of the long run, don’t forget to consider your future buyers too. An ugly roof can be off-putting, so unless your architect can keep a flat roof stylish, the classic look of pitched might be your best bet for increasing the price of your home.
Cons of a pitched roof
The biggest set back to a pitched roof is the price.
Not only does it take longer to install, and therefore incur more contractor fees, the materials used and the skill required will push your construction bill higher and higher.
You’ll also need to consider whether a pitched roof will be permitted in the planning stages. As we said above, the increased head height can be contentious. Both traditional planning permission and permitted development rights take height into consideration. They’ll also look at whether or not the height of your new roof will impact any neighbouring properties, such as through overshadowing.
And while a pitched roof requires less maintenance, should any repairs be needed, the roof will be harder for tradespeople to access - costing you more for the service.
How much does a pitched roof cost?
Pitched roofs have a greater variety material available, so more costs to consider. If you want to create a long-lasting structure, these are the materials we recommend and how much they'll set you back...
- Zinc £60 - £80 m2
- Natural slates £90 - £120 m2
- Clay tiles m2 £30 - £65 m2
Want more roofing advice? Book a consultation with our team. Resi offers free home advice, letting you discover your home’s hidden potential.
