Going Through The Roof Choices
Deciding on a roofline might not be at the top of your home design list but it can be the make or break of a stylish facade.
Not only does the roofline add to the aesthetic appeal, but it can also act as a protective barrier to the elements – what you require from your roof will impact your choice of the roofline.
“A pitched roof either in a hip and valley or gabled form dominates in the metropolitan region due to its economic value and traditional appeal,” Aveling Homes Design and Drafting Manager Brendan Lewis said.
“For a modern, edgier styling, a flat-type roof is ideal, although the cost for these roofs is generally more than that of a pitched roof.”
Mr Lewis said there were a few differences between the two rooflines to take into account before selection.
Different Rooflines to be Considered
Roof Space
Mr Lewis said a pitched roof generally had a larger roof space.
“This is convenient to house services such as air-conditioning units and access for roof maintenance,” he said. “This can be achieved with a flat roof but a roof space will need to be created, which becomes a less economical option.”
Stormwater
Mr Lewis said flat roofs were usually single pitch and, if drained to an eave gutter, the roof plumbing system could be quite simple.
“Downpipes can also be minimised to a single side of the house,” he said.
“Compared to a pitched roof, the gutter will follow each roof section, so the downpipes will be located on most sides of a house.”
Roof Choice Services
Mr Lewis said roof services such as photovoltaic and hot water cells should be considered when selecting a roof type.
“Pitched roofs provide good opportunities for cells to be located on multiple sides but its limitation will be the number of cells you can physically fit on the ideal orientation,” he said.
“Similarly, a flat roof will provide a larger uninterrupted roof space but its orientation and pitch may require installation of additional frames.”
Cost
Mr Lewis said in the current residential market, pitched roofs were a more economical solution than flat roofs.
“Typically walls are built past the roofline to hide the roof,” he said.
“This, together with additional structural requirements, tends to push the cost of a flat roof home up.”
Styling
Mr Lewis said the style of your home was a major consideration.
“Different housing themes and styles are distinguishable through the roof type and maintaining this feature is essential to the character of the house and how it is presented,” he said.
“A flat roof will always provide a distinctive elevation that’ll showcase on a streetscape dominated by pitch roofs.
“Pitched roofs can suit various themes, from federation to modern Hamptons and contemporary.
“Architects and designers have adapted pitched roofs through various styles by altering their pitch, rooflines and finish, making it a very versatile option when choosing a roof type.”