Uses & Benefits: Modern aka Contemporary styled homes have traditionally been characterized as a flat roof house. A flat roof creates a long horizontal plane, reminiscent of the broad horizon line often found in nature. They emphasize simple forms that focus on function. A good example of the modernist principle of “clean lines”.

Flat roof house designs often cantilever into large overhangs not seen in traditional home construction. And a flat roof house can have usable roof top gardens and green roofs. They can even be accessible, unlike other roof styles, providing additional living space offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Framing & Insulation: A flat roof house is relatively straightforward. It can be framed with a traditional floor system with horizontal framing members like any ceiling. Depending on the span, many different materials can frame a flat roof. Wood joists, timber framing, laminated beams, steel, concrete, engineered lumber or SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels).

Insulation can be located between ceiling joists or above the roof sheathing. Generally in the form of batt, blown in or spray foam insulation. Often times an additional layer of rigid insulation is used beneath an epdm or fiberglass roofing layer.

Rainwater discharge: Contrary to its name, a flat roof house isn’t actually flat. Flat roofs are built with a slight pitch of at least 1/8″ per foot so water can drain. Either to centralized drains, scuppers, or a gutter system.