Can You Use Flat Roof Materials on Sloped Roofs?

In roofing, and life in general, sometimes people should not do things just because they can.

Your house’s roof is arguably the most important part of your home. It protects your investment and all of your belongings inside. Anyone who has had to replace roofing, belongings or structural parts of their home due to a leaky roof will tell you that being proactive in taking care of their roofing issue would have saved them a ton of time and money. Any homeowner remembers the importance that the roof was given during the buying process, and that is with good reason.

In the city, people frequently ask about roofing materials. Many homes in the city have traditional flat roofs, while many others have sloped roofs, and others have a combination! Generally speaking, flat roofs are cheaper to install. This is because the materials are less expensive, and the process is more straightforward. There are no ridges, valleys, or hips to deal with.

Why couldn’t someone use flat roofing materials on a sloped roof?

Flat roofing materials are designed for flat roofs, not sloped roofs. While flat roofing materials may seem like a great choice for a sloped roof, they are not suitable. Homeowners who don’t know any better receive bad advice from a cut-rate contractor. They see flat roof membranes on roofs all over the city and assume that their roof should be no different, especially if it saves them money.

The main issue is that flat roofing materials are designed to be laid flat rather than at an angle. This means that the material will not fit securely against the roof, resulting in gaps and weak joints. Furthermore, flat roofing materials cannot hold up against the elements, such as heavy rain or snow, which can cause leaks and other damage. Additionally, flat roofing materials are not as durable as pitched roofing materials, which are specifically designed to hold up against the elements.

Another issue with flat roofing materials is their inability to shed water. Flat roofs do not have the same slope as pitched roofs, which means that water can easily pool on the surface. This can lead to water damage, which can be costly to repair.

Finally, flat roofing materials are not as aesthetically pleasing as pitched roofing materials. Pitched roofs have a more traditional look that can add to the overall beauty of a home.

Summary

Pitched roofing materials are the best option for sloped roofs. This is because flat roofing materials are not designed to fit securely against a sloped roof, are not as durable against the elements, and are not as aesthetically pleasing as pitched roofing materials.