The most common place we see a flat roof is on a commercial building. It is so common, in fact, that if we see a commercial building with anything but a flat roof it draws our attention closer. But what about a flat roof on a residential building or house? In the Burlington, Oakville area, flat roofs on residential buildings are a rare sight. But, what if you are buying a home and it has a flat roof on it. What should you look for before making a major investment?
Purchasing a house is usually the biggest investment you will make in your life so you want it to last and be as maintenance free as possible. Homeowners are always on the look out for the “money-pit” style of houses that are constantly on the market. It is not something you actively seek for your investment dollars. Many people see nice old and new houses on the market that have at least a partial flat or low-sloped roof and shy away from purchasing it. Can your fears be substantiated or are they swayed by the “rumour-mill”, that low-sloped roofs cost a lot to maintain and are constantly leaking? Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of a flat or low-sloped roof on a residential building.
Flat roofing contractors in Burlington and Oakville see their fair share of residential low-sloped roofs. They are not nearly as common as commercial roofs but, none the less, they are out there in both new and century old construction and everything in between.
When looking at purchasing a house with a low-sloped roof it is important to be able to gain access to the roof for an up close visual inspection. You want to look for a slight slope to the roof as opposed to a completely flat roof. Contrary to popular belief, flat and low-sloped roofs should never be completely flat or problems occur with leakage.
While you are inspecting the roof, check to see if there is flashing that has been properly installed around the edges and pipes and chimneys that protrude from the roof. Check for any cracks or ponding water that signify a potential for replacement. If the roof has been patched, question the homeowner about why it was patched and if it was done by a professional roofer or homeowner.
Go inside and inspect the interior walls near the ceiling. You are looking for signs of water damage or, worse case, wet drywall or plaster.
Low-sloped roofs on a residential building are more expensive to replace, but if properly installed by a flat-roofing specialist, they do last longer than standard shingled roofs.
One of the best ways to ensure the low-sloped roof is sound and has been properly maintained is to call a roofing specialist who knows about low-sloped roofs. They will come and inspect the roof and give you an unbiased opinion as to the condition of the roof and the approximate cost to repair or replace it should it be required.
Don’t let the presence of a low-sloped roof on a residential building sway you away from purchasing it. Also, don’t let the rumours and unprofessional advice often found on internet forums about low-sloped roofs cloud your judgement. When you have fallen in love with a house that has a low-sloped roof, take some sound advice and call in a roofing contractor in Burlington or Oakville to come and give you the proper advice you need to make an accurate and cost-effective decision before purchasing your home.