Pitched or Flat Roof?

Choosing a roof will be an important decision when adding an extension or building a new home. It can dramatically change the look of any extension or new build. Here are a few tips and information to help you make the right choice.  

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Pitched roof
A pitched roof is a roof that scarps downwards, usually in two parts at an angle from the central ridge, but sometimes in one part, from one side to the other.

The "pitch" of the roof is its vertical rise divided by the horizontal span and the measure of its pitch. Think of the house you always drew at school - they always had a pitched roof!
Due to the waterproofing attributes, durability and additional insulation they provide, the pitched roof design often has a longer lifespan than a flat roof.

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If you want a traditional style, then a pitched roof is usually the best choice, because of its classic and elegant look.
Pitched roofs provide the owner with many possibilities because there is a lot of usable space in the loft. On an extension, you could use this space for storage. On a new build home, you could convert the loft at a later stage or make it part of the build.  

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The longevity of a pitched roof is superior to that of a flat roof and this is the main reason homeowners opt for this choice. The materials used are more weather-resistant and long-lasting, though with more robust materials now being used for flat roofs this gap is closing. Choosing a pitched roof will cost more. This is because of their complex design and the materials that are used. They also take longer to install.  
If you want to create a stable structure pitched roofs have a greater variety of material available which gives you more choice but will also cost more.

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Flat roof
It's crucial to know that a flat roof isn't 100% level. For the rainwater to successfully drain away, a flat roof must have a small slope of a few degrees. If you're planning an extension or a garage, then a flat roof design may be more fitting for your property.
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If your budget is limited then a flat roof could be a viable option. They are less time consuming to build and are generally a more simple construction. Of course, the labour costs will be less than opting for a pitched roof.  If you are looking to maximise daylight and achieve the impression of interior height with a flat roof, adding a skylight could be an amazing design feature and introduce more light to the extension.

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