Flat or pitched roof? The argument for which is the best roofing style of choice has been a lingering one for ages. Why the battle continues, there’s no denying that the best choice of roofing material depends on what you need as a homeowner and your local climate.

When building or replacing the roof on your home, there are different roofing materials for you to choose from. Pitched roof consists of different styles like mansard, hipped, or gabled, and various roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, clay, tiles, wood shingles, slate, and lots more. Flat roofs are basically either built-up or single-ply (TPO, EPDM, and PVC). However, what makes them so different? How can you pick the best materials for your home?

Why Flat Roofing Materials Are Different From Pitched Roofing Materials

Flat roofs are not literally flat, as the name suggests. Technically, they are slightly slanted. However, flat roofing can prove catastrophic in climates with heavy downpours of rain due to its poor water drainage ability. With flat roofing materials, you stand at a greater risk of dealing with water leaks, as they have more ability to retain water than letting it run off the roofing system. When the water gets stagnant on top of the roof for a long time, they will eventually find a way to sip into the building, leading to water damage.

Pitched roofs, on the other hand, are designed with high ends and low ends. This allows water to run off the roof to the gutters and down to the ground. Pitched roofing materials are inarguably the best for rainy climates as they pose less risk of water damage.

Flat Roofing Materials Vs. Pitched Roofing Materials

Cost

In every building project, the cost is one of the major points people consider. Between flat and pitched roofing materials installation, it is no news that flat roofing materials are cheaper both in material and labor cost. However, flat roofing materials may require more maintenance than pitched roofing materials.

When it comes to deciding according to cost, always consider the short-term costs and long-term costs.

Maintenance

Every roofing system requires regular maintenance to ensure longevity, even with the unending long warranties. Flat roofing materials come with many roofing problems like cracks, leaks, alligatoring, and so on. While flat roofing materials also need regular maintenance, they are immune to different roofing problems common with flat roofing systems.

Structure

Lastly, the structure is a critical factor to consider, though it could be subjective. Flat roofing materials offer a variety of styles, stability, and excellent drainage property. They are usually the best choice materials for wet climates. In contrast, flat roofing materials offer more curb appeal and boost the value of your home while still costing less than its alternatives.

Regardless of which material you choose to go with, both flat roofing and pitched roofing materials come with their pros and cons. Always consult with a professional roofer near you to help you determine which is the best option for your home, both with respect to the structure, cost, and maintenance.

To get the best roofing material, reach out to Astoria Roofing, 29-16 30th Ave Astoria, NY 11102 718-285-6273, https://www.astoriaroofingny.com/.

It’s no secret that a flat roof is for specialists. So if you’re a homeowner or property manager in New York, you’d know by now that you can’t trust just any roofer to deliver when it comes to flat roofing.

Of course, flat roofs can be quite a challenge when it comes to maintenance and repairs. If the roof of your New York home is leaking or probably needs more than the basic repairs, it makes sense for you to want to fix it as soon as possible. But how do you go about it? Do you give it to any roofer you know to do it, or do you hand the job over to someone your friend or relation knows? Besides, it’s never out of place for friends and family to recommend a “roofer” they know.

Before you hire any roofer to take care of your roof in NY, here are some questions to ask to help you get the best flat roofing contractor.

Do They Specialize In Flat Roofing? How Long Have They Been Installing Flat Roofs?

The critical factor to hiring a roofing contractor for your flat roofing solutions is experience and references. Never hesitate to ask any potential contractor how long they have been in the business. How many flat roofs have they worked on? Also, ask for references. And when you get the references, contact two to three of them to verify. Ask the past clients how satisfied they were with the quality of the work.

While all these may seem to be energy zapping and time-consuming, you wouldn’t want to hire someone that’s not experienced to work on your roof. Or would you?

Are You Certified By Any Professional Roofing Body? Are They Trained And Approved Installers Of The Materials They Fit?

Professional roofing bodies, including the NRCA, have a lot to offer their members, including further training. It’s only wise for any roofer to be an active member of any of these roofing bodies. Roofers that have identified with any of these bodies are already proven to be professionals. Ask for certification to help you determine if you’re dealing with a professional roofer.

And besides allegiance to a roofing body, ensure that the roofer is certified and trained by the manufacturers to install such material. Certification means you’d be getting good prices, better warranties, and even credit facilities for the roofing material.

Are They Fully Insured With Public And Employers Liability?

The next thing you might want to check out is if the contractor is insurance-backed. A reliable flat roofing contractor should be financially protected and have insurance if the employee is injured on the job. However, having insurance is never quite enough. The insurance MUST cover any potential damage on your property during roof repair, replacement, or installation. The roofer should show proof of such insurance.

What Guarantees Do They Give? What Does It Cover? How Long Is The Warranty?

When it comes to flat roofing in NY, a warranty is very important. And beyond just the warranty, the warranty details, including the length, cover, and conditions, are vital.

Flat roofs are pretty easy to get wrong, and that’s why it’s not what any roofer can dabble with. To get the best result, go for a pro. While they are many more questions to ask a roofer, the above should be at the top of the list. For more information on flat roofing in New York, contact Astoria Roofing, 29-16 30th Ave Astoria, NY 11102 718-285-6273, https://www.astoriaroofingny.com/.