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Dec 16, 2020
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The Pros & Cons of Flat & Pitched Roofs

The underlying configuration of your roof can influence the beauty and value of your home.  In addition to roofing material, one of the most important decisions that needs to be made is whether the roof should be flat or pitched.  Allow us to weigh in on the benefits and drawbacks of both options.

What’s the Difference?

A pitched roof is any roof with a peak that slopes downward.  Common pitched roof materials include asphalt shingles, metal, and cedar shakeFlat roofs are those without an incline.  Popular materials include rubber, tar, and gravel.  Between the two styles, pitched roofs are more common. north oaks mn gaf glenwood shinglesPros of Pitched Roofing: Pitched roofs are built to filter water into the gutters and away from the home, which makes them less prone to leaking.  Pitched roofs can have a lifespan as long as 50 years.  When installed correctly, little to no maintenance is needed.  Pitched roofs offer a timeless look, which many homeowners embrace.  This type of roof makes your home more marketable.

Pros of Flat Roofing: Flat roofing is a more cost-effective option than pitched roofing.  Built-up flat roofs utilize gravel which is a fire retardant.  Some varieties are so easy to install that homeowners are able to do it on their own without hiring a professional.  When compared with roofs that have steep pitches, flat roofs provide more interior living space because there are no extreme wall angles in the rooms of the top floors of the home.  A flat roof can also provide additional exterior space to entertain.

Learn About the Components That Make Up GAF’s 50-Year Roofing System: 

Cons of Pitched Roofing: When compared to a flat roof, a pitched roof is more expensive to install due to materials and labor costs.  Those looking to design an ultramodern home often gravitate away from pitched roofs in favor of flat roofs.  If a pitched roof has substantial overhangs, they may restrict the amount of natural light that is allowed to enter a home.

Timberline HDZ and LeafGuard

Cons of Flat Roofing: Flat roofs are prone to leaking and their origin can be tricky to pinpoint.  Recognizing this, many insurance companies charge higher premiums for these types of homes.  The lifespan of a flat roof is also shorter than that of a pitched roof.  Due to the absence of a significant pitch, a flat roof absorbs a significant amount of heat from the sun.  This can result in increased energy bills.

 

Browse Our Twin Cities Roof Replacement Projects:

Twin Cities Roof Installation Reviews:

"Lindus Construction recently installed a new roof, replaced my soffits/fascia and installed replacement LeafGuard® Gutters that were damaged by hail this summer. (My original gutters were installed in 1999!) I could not be more pleased with their work, professionalism and meticulous attention to detail on all aspects of the project. Even the flashing on the chimney looks 110% better than what had been previously done and is now caulked as well. I highly recommend Lindus and would definitely hire them in the future should a need arise! You will definitely not be disappointed!

Kimberly S.
Richfield, MN
November 30, 2020

"My salesperson has been excellent as were the roofers. "

Carol G.
Edina, MN
October 30, 2020

"Lindus staff did high quality work and were highly professional. The roofers were amazingly hard workers. After the project was done, we have had a number of people walking by comment on what a great job Lindus did and how unusual and beautiful the new roof is. A realtor has told us the work done by Lindus will increase the resale value of our house. The project financing we received is an exceptionally good deal.”

David Z.
Minneapolis, MN
October 22, 2020

"In our cul-de-sac there are six houses, four of us have had some kind of project going on in the past two weeks. Lindus came in trucks with their name, phone number, etc on the truck. The people working on other projects came in their F-150 with ladders. NO name, phone number or any other identifying  information on the trucks.  Our neighbors were impressed by the work done by Lindus.  Everyone from Lindus involved with this project was professional, knowledgeable, and this roof got done in two days because they all worked as a team."

Joe & Peggy D.
Bloomington, MN
October 9, 2020

"This is the 6th project Lindus has done for me.  Another great job and service!"

Lilah R.
Minneapolis, MN
September 2, 2020

"Thanks to you and your crew for doing a great job!"

Lee B.
Minnetonka, MN
July 28, 2020
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