Choosing a roof design for a housing project, renovation or replacement is an exceptionally tough decision, one that should be made with the help of specialists who can tailor an architectural project around your needs.

The decision is often focused on a mix of practicality, value for money and personal preference, but how much lifetime value does a flat roof provide compared to a pitched roof?

In terms of initial costs, there is no contest; a flat roof costs half the price per square metre compared to a pitched roof, at least according to estimates.

As well as this, the rooftop can be actively used as an outdoor space, such as a garden, storage for HVAC units or even a rooftop dining area or viewing balcony. There is a lot of value in adding another outdoor area to your house, something naturally impossible with a pitched roof.

If the flat roof is well designed, with an effective drainage system that avoids the potential for water buildup it can last decades, with the only part which regularly needs upgrading and altering being the waterproof membrane.

By contrast, a pitched roof costs a lot more to install and a lot more to maintain if there are issues with the shingles, tiles or asphalt coating. When pitched roofs need maintenance and repair, the job is usually far more substantial and involved.

In terms of costs, repairs are typically also half the price, replacements a third of the price and the long-term estimated costs per year are half for a flat roof compared to a pitched one.

This is something that is often not considered when it comes to pitched roofs; whilst they have a longer overall lifespan, this comes with an expectation of specialist maintenance, whilst a flat roof is often far more affordable to maintain, with higher quality results overall.