A Guide to Flat Roofs

In the UK, many people are accustomed to seeing sloped roofed properties, rather than flat roofs. However, embracing a fresh style and choosing to construct a flat roof has its benefits. In recent years, flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular within newer properties in the UK, with a study showing 72% of homes have a partial flat roof.

Flat roof construction often appears on modern homes, business and flats because of their low costs, ease of maintenance and the potential for additional space. At Southern Cross Projects Roofing & Waterproofing, our flat roofs are constructed from first-rate timber, one of the finest materials to bestow your home with character and personality.

The Advantages of Flat Roof Construction

We at Southern Cross Projects are experienced contractors for commercial buildings and properties. With flat roofs growing in popularity for residential homes, we ensure that quality is never questioned and only optimised with the correct insulation, installed promptly, and offers ample protection for your home.

The reason flat roofs are proven to be less expensive than other solutions is because they allow for a quicker installation and are easier to maintain, while being energy efficient. With a longer lifespan, flat roofs make for a smart solution for businesses in both the short and long term.

By implementing a flat roof construction project, this allows for easier maintenance. As flat roofs only have a slight pitch, it is easier to gain access to the roof of a commercial property where the flat roof is installed. This ease of accessibility means that they are easy to maintain, and costly repairs can therefore be avoided later down the line.

Flat roofs are also versatile in their design, as they cover the roof entirely whilst optimising the space that is available. Many commercial properties – and now residential properties – use the flat space to add solar panels. This is a great tool to show that businesses are environmentally friendly while also providing a way to reduce energy costs.

Flat Roof Insulation

Flat roofs reflect heat rather than absorbing it. This makes it more energy-efficient because of the insulation used. At Southern Cross Projects Roofing & Waterproofing, we stock and supply a variety of insulated material like rigid foam board, fibreglass batts, spray foam, and even blown-in insulation. Each type of insulation complements and affects your flat roof in several ways, providing an abundant of benefits to you and your property.

Warm Roofs help to keep properties cooler. This type of roofing is popular with housing in warmer climates because they are simple and efficient. They have an insulation layer between the surface above, which helps keep your home warm during winter months.

Warm roofs are often found on commercial properties, like warehouses and offices because they have a larger surface area and need to preserve their heat. Nowadays, warm roofs are commonly found on garages, conservatories, and outbuildings. As they improve energy ratings and reduce construction times, they are growing in popularity. With the installation process of warm roofs, they are more durable than traditional roofs since the insulation protects against condensation and moisture.

Whereas Cold Roofs are popular in colder environments, like the UK, because they help to keep the properties cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Cold roof insulation is an important part of a healthy home, as it creates space between the roofs deck and insulation, hence allowing for a more streamline ventilation of air to pass through. Studies have shown that cold roofs can reduce cooling costs by up to 30%.

However, the difference between cold roofs to warm roofs is due to the insulation sitting directly above the ceiling’s plasterboards. By implementing this system, this reduces the build-up of condensation by offering sufficient ventilation.

Flat Roofs at Southern Cross Projects

As roofing and waterproofing specialists, Southern Cross Projects Roofing & Waterproofing provide a superior flat roof construction service that will protect your home while offering a more contemporary look for your property.

Suitable for both commercial or domestic properties, we provide a full turnkey roofing solution, from construction, insulation and installation. Contact us directly to enquire about our flat roof solutions.