When you're looking for a new house, there are a lot of things you will need to be on the lookout for. We’re sorry about that, but we are here to add another point to the mental checklist. Flat roofs. Many properties will have a flat roof present somewhere, either on the main roof or as part of a garage or extension. They can be a lovely, practical addition to any home, but they do come with some risks. So today, we're going to answer a common question were asked - should I buy a house with a flat roof?
The Downsides of Flat Roofs
From a conveyancing perspective, there are a few downsides to buying a home with a flat roof. They include:
Drainage: The main concern with a flat roof is that there is no real drainage. While flat roofs do have a slight angle built in to encourage water off the roof, it's not a particularly effective solution. Rainwater tends to pool on the roof instead, leading to patches of fallen leaves, moss and stagnant water. This prevents proper downflow and can ultimately cause damage. This is even more of an issue if your drains become blocked, since the water can't flow naturally off the roof-which is why flat roofs are more prone to leaks.
Stability: If you've ever done one of those team-building tasks where you have to make a tower out of paper and tape, you'll know that the triangle is the strongest shape there is. So pitched roofs, being triangles, are incredibly sturdy, and increase the structural stability of the whole house. If you have a flat roof, the house will need to be designed with extra structural support, which is why we always recommend a full survey on any property with a flat roof.
Lifespan: Flat roofs need regular maintenance – much more so than pitched roofs – to keep them in good order. Older flat roofs made with felt have an average lifespan of around 10-15 years, while roofs made with plastics like polyurethane can between 20-25 years. EPDM rubber roofing can last almost 50 years if it’s taken care of correctly, but it’s much more vulnerable to puncture. Which with England’s record of storms and flying debris, can be a bit of a risk!
The upside is that, while they do need more regular maintenance, they are easier to access which means you don’t need to shell out for scaffolding every time something needs fixing. But they are often more expensive in the long term, since this maintenance needs to be done more often than with a pitched roof.
Heat Absorption: A flat roof will typically allow more heat transfer in and out of your home, which means your house will be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. This is mainly because the full surface area of the roof is exposed to the sun during the summer months, and the full brunt of the winter winds during the cold months. In a pitched roof, only half of the surface is exposed at once, and insulation and cavity space within the pitch would stop a lot of that heat or cold from making its way into the house. With a flat roof you have much less insulation and no cavity space, which means it can pass straight through. So if you do buy a house with a flat roof, be prepared for higher electricity bills!
Space: It seems obvious, but flat roofs have no loft space. So if you’re short on storage, this might be a problem for you. The flip side of that is the flat roofs are easier to extend, so you can use the full height under permitted development if you want to build more space.
Can You Get a Mortgage With A Flat Roof?
Absolutely! As long as there are no other problems, like serious structural defects, that would make the property mortgageable, a lender should be able to approve a mortgage. Bear in mind though that the downsides of flat roofs can make lenders consider them a higher risk than a standard construction. Some lenders might consider them too big a risk to take, so you might have to search a little harder for the right mortgage product. If you’re struggling, we recommend finding an independent mortgage advisor to help you.
At Hudson Conveyancing, we’re all about providing a personal, honest service to all of our clients. We can help uncover all of the information you need when considering a house, including the age and construction of a flat roof, so that you and your mortgage lender can make the best decision possible. If you’d like to know more, just get in touch with the team today for a free consultation.
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