Seasonal cycles bring with them harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and high winds. The recent storms that hit the UK were certainly no exception, with 122mph winds during storm Eunice.
These unexpectedly high wind speeds put even the best roofs to the test. While many stayed intact, roofs that haven’t been regularly maintained suffered the most. If you want to avoid such mishaps on your property, you may be wondering which type of roof is best in a storm. Read on as we take a closer look.
Pitched vs flat roofs
Roofs come in all different shapes and sizes and there are several benefits to each. The shape and style of your roof are important for aesthetic purposes and how they perform during stormy weather.
Pros and cons of pitched roofs
Although plenty of commercial properties have pitched roofs, they are more common on residential homes.
Pitched roofs have a wider variety of styles than flat roofs, and the slope makes drainage more efficient. Additional benefits of pitched roofs are:
- Better weather protection
- Wide choice of architectural designs
- Longer lasting
Pitched roofs weather storms better than flat roofs primarily because of their superior drainage abilities. However, that does not necessarily mean that a pitched roof is a way to go for your build.
Pitched roofs are more expensive than flat roofs. Generally speaking, the steeper the pitch the more expensive the installation. So if you are strapped for cash, there are flat roof options that provide adequate storm protection.
Pro and cons of flat roofs
Although flat roofs are flat by appearance, they do have a slight slope as this is essential for drainage.
Flat roofs have a minimum roof pitch of 1:80 to prevent rainwater pooling on the surface. Therefore flat roofs are relatively stormproof. If well maintained and made from durable materials, flat roofs have a couple of benefits:
- Lower installation costs
- Easier repairs and inspections
The downside is that flat roofs are more prone to leaking, which can make ongoing maintenance more expensive in the long run.
What about materials?
What your roof is made from is just as important as its ergonomics. Generally speaking, it’s a case of the more you pay, the more durable (and stormproof) a product you’ll get.
Pitched roofing materials
For pitched roofs, the main choices are slate, clay tiles and concrete tiles. Slate is the most expensive roofing material, but it’s also the most durable, lasting over 100 years with the right care. On the flipside are concrete tiles, which can last upwards of 30 years but are significantly cheaper. In the middle, you’ll find clay tiles, which typically last around 50 years. Slate will stand you in best stead during a storm, but it obviously comes at a cost.
Flat roofing materials
On the other hand, two of the most popular options for flat roofs are felt and glass reinforced plastic (GRP). Again the level of storm protection comes down to cost. Well-installed GRP roofing can last more than 30 years and stand up against the harshest weather. Flat roofing felt usually lasts about half that time, so bad rain or wind could start to affect it after around 15 years.
Maintenance is key
No matter which roof type or materials you choose, no factor is more important than maintenance. If it’s been well looked after, there’s no reason why any kind of roof should be affected by high winds and heavy rain.
At DPR Roofing, we’re committed to providing complete peace of mind to customers throughout Wakefield and the surrounding areas. Our team will recommend a new roof that’s suited to your budget and preferences, then make sure it’s properly installed to protect you for years to come.
If you’d like to get the ball rolling, give us a call on 01924 255 677 or email [email protected].