Why You Can Have a Flat Roof in a Snowy Climate

For homeowners interested in contemporary and modern architecture, a flat roof is a highly desirable option. You may believe that living in harsh winters with heavy snow fall means you can’t enjoy a flat roof, but you can enjoy both a flat roof and a snowy climate.

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Source: TAB Associates
  • Materials: The materials that you choose for your home play an important part in determining if your home is suitable for snow. A wooden roof with steel supports and reinforcement is one way to make a flat roof possible.  The key is to provide an acceptable membrane for waterproofing.
  • Insulation: The engineer and architect can work together to design a roof that has adequate insulation to support snow. In fact, the required insulation for your home may well be just what’s needed to support the snow, depending on the design.
  • Preventing leaks: It’s a common misconception that flat roofs leak more than other roof types. The truth is that any improperly designed or damaged roof can leak from time to time.
  • Easy to maintain: Like any roof design, flat roofs do require maintenance. A suitably designed flat roof will also have drainage features.  Proper drainage is one of the keys to an appropriate flat roof.

Are you designing a home? Contact us at TAB Associates to discuss the roof and other design elements to enhance your property.