Flat roofs installation in Montreal

The difference between traditional pitched and flat roofs

As you have probably noticed, pitched and flat roofs are very different. From an aesthetic point of view on the one hand, but also from a functional point of view. We will try to outline the basic differences between the two below.

First point, the aesthetics of the roof and what you prefer

Basically, the question to ask yourself is this: What do you like from an aesthetic standpoint? Do you like the urban style of a flat roof that can go as far as giving your home a futuristic look or are you more of a classic type. It really depends on your personal taste and the “look” that makes you tick.

The many benefits of a flat or deck-style roof

If you prefer flat roofs, you are not alone.
Here's a short list of the notable benefits of flat roofs:

• Construction is pretty simplistic: Unlike sloped roofs, building and re-roofing is pretty simple to do. Safety-wise, it's better to work on a flat roof system than a sloped one, obviously!
• The durability of flat roofs is very attractive: If you're the type of person who plans for the long term, flat roofs are for you. They are particularly water resistant and are designed to last a very long time. In addition, concrete flat roofs can withstand the high winds, bad weather and harsh winters found in Montreal.
• They are easy to repair in most cases: If you have problems with your flat roof, you can easily find a contractor who will be able to make a repair. The cost of repairing or re-roofing a flat or deck roof system is very affordable compared to sloped roofs.
• They are easy to maintain and clean: Flat roofs are easy to access, so it goes without saying that the maintenance of them will be simple, even for you. Just go upstairs and remove the dead leaves in the fall and a little shoveling when winter comes.

How is the insulation of a flat roof carried out?

Flat roofs are not very easy to work on in terms of insulation. It is therefore important that this work is done correctly and completely, otherwise there will be damage and a significant loss of energy, which we want to avoid at all costs in Montreal and in Quebec in general.

The cause of these difficulties lies in the fact that flat roofs are very aesthetically pleasing, but they can be exposed to negative influences.

In general, sloping roofs provide a good intermediate zone between the room itself and the influences of the outside world. But this disappears when it comes to a flat roof, which is why it is particularly important that the insulation is sufficient.

Insulation is almost always done with a view to prepare against sensitive moisture. Only in industrial sheds, for example, where large machines are stored, this is not always very important, as these machines are also very well protected.

Therefore, simple corrugated iron roofs are often used for this purpose.

However, for residents of Montreal, roof insulation is very important, as the walls and living space should not be damp. Insulation of flat roofs should therefore be considered when building new houses.

These should be protected from the start with the latest methods. But it is also worth thinking about recycling the insulation when renovating, especially if it is already a bit old.

Of course, renovation is particularly important in the case of damaged and leaky insulation.

What are the consequences of not maintaining flat roofs?

The detachment or rupture of membranes, for example, are two of the consequences of not controlling the condition of a flat roof system.

Because of this condition, not only do we lose aesthetic quality, but it is also possible that we start to have water leaks which, later on, will cause damage to the interior of our homes.

We recommend that this maintenance be carried out annually, as the surface is constantly exposed to sun, rain, wind and snow and therefore wears out quickly.

With a roof inspection, it will be possible to detect and repair in time any detachments or breaks that may exist.

Cleaning the gutters, for example, is also of great importance for maintaining a flat roof. Gutters are responsible for ensuring a good collection and diversion system for water that falls on the roof.

This is why they often end up being saturated with tree leaves, seeds or airborne dirt. The weight of the water combined with the leaves or dirt can break the gutters and cause them to collapse.

Do yourself a favour (at least once a year) and go clean your beautiful flat roof.

You'll see, the view is great!

If you have any questions about your flat roof project in Montreal, do not hesitate to contact us at (514) 600-4891. It will be our pleasure to discuss with you and answer all your questions.