Invest in a Long Lasting Solution for Your Home

Low-slope roofs are those with slopes between 2:12 and 4:12, flat roofs those with slopes below 2:12. To prevent standing water, flat roofs should slope at least 1/4 in. per foot. Any less, and ponding is inevitable—and with it biological growth, and a ready reservoir of water waiting for the tiniest opening to pour through.

However, the biggest disadvantage of a flat roof is the lack of drainage. With flat roofs, water does not drain off the roof as easily or as quickly as a sloped roof. While they do drain, it’s usually much slower than any sloped roof, and as we all know, standing water for too long can pose major problems for any homeowner. In Florida where it rains a lot throughout the year, flat roofs are especially prone to water damage and eventual leaks due to water puddling on the roof. If your current residence has a flat roof or you are considering purchasing a home with a flat roof, it is imperative that you keep up with routine gutter and roof maintenance. If you spot a clog or block in drainage, make sure that you get it cleared up right away or you risk major damage to not only your roof but your entire home.

Another disadvantage of flat roofs in Southwest Florida are the lack of options. A vast majority of flat roofs all use the same materials: modified bitumen, EPDM, polyurethane foam, TPO, and PVC. While they are inexpensive materials, most of them do not have the same longevity or durability of other roof types. Typically, their lifespan is about 10 to 15 years. Compare that to other roof materials such as metal or tile which have significantly longer lifespans.

Quality Protection for Southwest Florida Homes

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