Ever wonder why modern architectural designs almost always feature a flat roof? Flat roofs are indispensable to the style and can be found on top of modernistic museums, art galleries, concert halls, and residential homes around Minneapolis alike.
This isn’t the only aesthetic featuring a flat roof. Flat roofs have been used since antiquity, especially in regions with hot and arid climates where snowfall, rain, and water drainage aren’t concerns.
But flat roofs only rose into popularity as a residential style in the mid-20th century. This happened along with the modern style. And the appeal of both hasn’t diminished since then.
So, why is modern architecture so indelibly linked with flat roofs? There are a couple of reasons for that.
Why Do Modern Houses Use Flat Roofs?
The first reason is that new roofing materials were invented in the 19th and 20th centuries which made flatter roofs more practical and affordable.
Advancements were made in concrete, structural steel, rubbers, and various synthetic materials.
Once that happened, manufacturers started producing waterproof, lightweight, and durable roofing products like felt, rubber, and synthetic membrane that were suitable for residential use.
With newer products on the market, architects were no longer restricted to traditional shingles and their limitations. They were free to experiment and make roofs that were completely flat, oblong, jaunting out, sloping on one side, overlapping, etc.
Why are Flat Roofs so Popular?
The first architects to incorporate flat roofs into their designs were considered radicals. At the time, flat roofs were seen as a rejection of traditional suburbia, conformity, and the pitched roof status quo.
But the look caught on.
Flat roofs offer homeowners a clean and elevated design that’s distinct but versatile enough to appeal to various tastes. And these roofs are versatile enough to fit several different styles and tastes. Flat modern roofs can be peaceful, laidback, and Zen or they can be rock and roll. They can have a youthful vibe or feel much more mature. The look can be minimalistic and austere or dramatic.
A flat roof can be completely flat and invisible. Or it can be visible enough to become a virtual art piece. It can be simple or have multiple planes.
Almost everyone finds the clean straight lines of a flat roof attractive. This is an easy way to elevate a house’s curb appeal without looking like a carbon copy of other homes.
It’s not surprising that modern flat roof styles have become a long-lasting trend.
Architects and homeowners love the modern flat roof look.
At this point, what used to be a rebellious and counterculture move is now seen as a safe, conservative, and traditional design choice.
Do Flat Roofs Only Work With Modern Houses?
Flat roofs and modern style are indelibly linked. These designs emerged together and the flat roof has become a signature feature of the mid-century look.
But flat roofs are versatile enough to work with a range of residential architectures.
You don’t need to have a modern-style house in order to get a flat roof. Renovating a house to add a flat roof can improve the look of almost every building.
It works with different housing styles, like contemporary, ranch, executive, and others.
If you have a cookie-cutter house and want to distinguish it from the rest of the neighborhood, look into installing a flat roof and changing the siding. This renovation can dramatically change your curb appeal.
The Benefits of a Flat Roof Installation
Flat roofs have a few benefits for homeowners. These roofs cost less, are easier to maintain, and open up more living space.
Those are a few reasons why homeowners may be more attracted to flat roofs than to regular pitched roofs.
Flat Roofs Cost Less to Install
Did you know that flat roofs cost much less to install than pitched ones?
That’s right. A flat roof may be trendy and in demand, but its upscale appearance doesn’t translate into an elevated building cost.
Part of this is because flat roofs use less material than pitched roofs. It’s also less complicated to install a flat roof than a pitched roof with several peaks.
You can have an affordable flat roof installed that’s built to perform well in your region and climate.
Easier and lower-cost maintenance than other roofing systems
It’s much easier to clean, maintain, and repair a flat roof than a pitched one.
Roofers can get onto and move around flat roofs with less difficulty than pitched ones. You don’t need harnesses or as much safety equipment to work on a flat roof.
More living space on your roof
A flat roof allows you to increase your home’s available living space. Some homeowners place gardens, sitting spaces, or decks on their flat roofs.
If you have a smaller house, adding a flat roof can be a good idea.
Flat roof concerns
A roof’s pitch or steepness helps it to shed snow, ice, and debris and helps it to drain water. Flat roofs compensate for this with extra drainage materials. Also, you should know that most flat roofs actually have a slight incline to assist with drainage.
Product choice has to be made wisely. The first materials used for flat roofs weren’t that great. Leaking issues were common at the time. However, building products have significantly improved since then and you can find flat roof materials made to withstand your regional climate conditions.
For these reasons, it’s best to consult with a professional local roofer on getting and installing a flat roof.
Get a flat roof installation
Are you building a new house or changing out an old roof? Then contact us at Midwest Roof & Solar to get started with a flat roof estimate and pre-project planning.
Our roofing professionals do much more than shingle applications and gutter cleaning. We’re experienced experts who install, repair, and restore roofing structures.
