Get protection from the elements with a flat roof carport. Our Guide to Flat Roof Carports covers the essentials, like cost, installation and design. Add style and utility to your property quickly and easily.
Things that you need to know about flat roof carports
A flat roof carport is a carport that has a roof with a level surface, unlike the gable roof carport. The main advantage of having a flat roof carport is that it can be used as a shelter for more than one vehicle. It is also known as a “lean-to” carport because it leans against an existing structure, such as a house or garage, for support.
If you’re considering adding a carport to your home, you may wonder if a flat roof is a suitable option. A carport with a flat roof can offer various benefits, but it’s essential to understand the pros and cons before deciding. This guide will look at the pros and cons of flat roof carports and some of the factors you’ll need to consider when making your decision.
Benefits of Flat Roof Carports
Easy on the pocket
It is cheaper than other carports because it is a simple building structure. The design does not require complicated joinery or construction, which keeps costs low. It also does not use expensive materials, making it easy on the pocket. This type of carport is popular for budget-conscious homeowners since it can be installed quickly and does not require much maintenance and extra cost.
Easy to install
Carport installation is easy because it doesn’t require any specialist tools or equipment and can be put together relatively quickly by two people. In addition, this type of carport does not require rafters or trusses.
Customizable
It is one of those custom carports available. You can select the dimensions and styles from a wide range of flat roof designs that fit your needs and preferences. You can also choose the material for your carport’s roofing and different flat roof designs. This gives you flexibility in terms of style and function. However if you plan to customize, always seek the help of a licensed carport builder. You can search in your local area or visit NO1 Carports which is a Brisbane based professional carport building company.
Adds value to your home
It adds value to your home by protecting it from the weather and increasing curb appeal. A carport is a great way to protect your vehicle from the rain, snow, and wind, and it can also help keep your home cooler in the summer. Whilst not all renovations add valure to homes, some renovations do. It’s best to compare prices in your area and see what other features those houses have.
Easy to maintain
Unlike traditional pitched roofs, a flat roof carport doesn’t require regular inspections and repairs for leaks and water damage. Additionally, because it is not a sloped carport and does not have ridges, it’s much easier to clean and keep free of debris. So a flat roof carport is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option that will still protect your car from the elements.
More accessible
It provides more accessibility. This is because the roof is level, making it easier for people to get in and out of cars. Additionally, it is perfect for people who have disabilities or limited mobility, as they can easily access the vehicle without having to climb up or down any stairs.
F.A.Q.s About Flat Roof Carports
What’s the ideal height for a carport?
Depending on the size of carport, the ideal height for a Flat Roof Carport is 2.4 metres, regardless if it’s a single or double carport. This will provide enough room for opening doors and parking cars underneath. However, if you need a shorter carport, we have options that start at 1 metre in height.
What are the things I need to prepare before my carport is installed?
It would help to do a few things before your flat roof carport is installed. We’ve listed the most important ones below.
- Ensure the area where the carport will be installed is clear and level.
- Remove any obstructions, such as bushes or trees that may interfere with the installation process.
- If there is an existing structure in the way, such as a deck or porch, you will need to have it removed or relocated.
- Check with your local municipality to ensure you have all the necessary permits before installation begins.
How can I make my carport more sturdy?
Here are a few tips for making your flat roof carport more sturdy:
- Use a strong, durable roofing material that will withstand wind and rain.
- Ensure the roof is angled correctly so water will run off rather than collect on the surface.
- Reinforce the frame with sturdy supports, especially at the corners.
- Install gutter systems to help divert water away from the carport.
Does the carport building require council approval?
A council permit is required to construct a new flat roof carport like a gable carport. In addition, the carport must be approved by the local authority before the commencement of construction.
This type of building is considered a shed or garage and, as such, falls under the Queensland Building Services Authority (Q.B.S.) requirements. A building permit application must be lodged with your local Council and include detailed drawings and specifications of the proposed carport. The Council will assess the application against various development criteria, including height, setbacks, structural loading, and wind speed zone. If the proposal meets all applicable standards, a building permit will be issued for construction.
How do I spot the best carport company?
There are a few things you can look for when trying to spot the best flat roof carport company. First, it’s essential to ensure that the company is licensed and insured. You’ll also want to look for a company with a lot of experience installing flat roof carports, as this type of installation can be tricky.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from several companies before deciding. Be sure to ask about the company’s warranty and what materials they’ll use on your carport. By following these tips, you should be able to find the best flat roof carport company for your needs.
Getting a quote
When getting a quote for a flat roof company, it’s essential to be as specific as possible. Some questions you may want to ask include:
- What material will be used for the roof?
- What is the warranty?
- How long will the roof last?
- How often will it need to be inspected/maintained?
- What are the installation costs?
- Are there any discounts available?
- What is the cost of materials used?
By asking these questions, you can better understand what to expect from your flat roof carport and which company offers the best value. Once this information is ready, you can start contacting different companies for quotes. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about their services or products so that you can make an informed decision. Again, it would help to compare quotes from different companies to find the best deal.
Conclusion
A carport is an excellent addition to any home, and a flat roof carport has many benefits that other types of carports do not have. It’s easy on the pocket, easy to install, customizable, adds value to your home, and is easy to maintain. In addition, it’s more accessible for those who have trouble getting around. You can also consider getting a D.I.Y. carport kit. If you are considering adding a carport to your home, read our guide first to learn about all the different types of carports and choose the best one for you.
FAQs
A concrete slab flat roof is normally made up of a structural layer of concrete finished with a smooth screed onto which a water proof layer such as a membrane is laid. The roof should incorporate insulation and usually a vapour control layer to protect from interstitial condensation.
How thick is a flat roof? ›
A TPO roof membrane consists of three layers: a TPO polymer base, a polyester reinforcement scrim middle layer, and a TPO polymer top ply, which are heat-fused at the factory. TPO roof membranes typically come in three standard thicknesses: 45-mil, 60-mil, and 80-mil.
What are the characteristics of a flat roof? ›
A flat roof construction usually consists of the following:
- Waterproof membrane to prevent water penetrating the structure and interior of the building.
- Roof deck, providing the base for the waterproof membrane, and in some cases the insulation.
- Thermal insulation.
Yes, flat roofs need a slope. Although a flat roof appears to be level and is called a flat roof, it needs a slight slope of at least 1:80 (0.72⁰), to allow for the drainage of water.
What is the weakness of flat roof? ›
The biggest drawback of flat roofs is the drainage or lack thereof. Sure, flat roofs do have a slight slope that drains the water, but not nearly as efficiently as a pitched roof. The rainwater tends to remain on the roof and form a puddle, which can lead to possible leaks or material damage.
How many layers do I need for a flat roof? ›
Number of Layers in a Flat Roof
Flat roofs should have a minimum of one weatherproofing layer, although some might have more than one, such as a barrier to protect against ice and snow damage. Different weatherproofing materials are used for flat roofs, such as bituminous membranes and polyurethane liquid membranes.
How much weight should a flat roof hold? ›
An ordinary roof needs to hold 10KG per square foot at absolute minimum. Depending on your type of roof and what it is used for, it may be required to hold more weight. For example, a flat roof intended to hold a home garden needs to hold 45KG per square foot.
What is the longest lasting flat roof material? ›
The longest lasting flat roofing material, EPDM offers exceptional durability for both commercial and residential structures. With an increased rubber thickness, this resilient material provides excellent puncture and tear resistance, lasting for up to half a century.
How much overhang should a flat roof have? ›
The more overhang you can achieve into a gutter, the less chance you have in capillary action of water creeping back up the roof sheet and entering the roof. The minimum standard is 50mm. On a flat roof, we suggest starting at 100mm of overhang. If you can, aim for 150mm.
Do you need gravel on a flat roof? ›
Rocks or gravel on a flat roof are a necessary component for built up roofs and ballast roof systems. The gravel or stone offers roof protection and balances the overall weight of the roof. Built up flat roofs are constructed with layers of roofing felt and asphalt, where the top layer is embedded with gravel.
Rubber Membrane Roof
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber is one of the most affordable roofing materials. It's so durable that it can last up to 50 years—which is probably why many homeowners choose it. Rubber roofing can withstand hail, wind, and heavy snow, unlike other flat roof materials.
What is the best style of flat roofing? ›
What Is the Best Flat Roof System?
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR): This traditional system consists of multiple layers of bitumen (asphalt) and roofing felts alternated with layers of bitumen. ...
- Modified Bitumen (MB): This system is similar to BUR but includes added polymer modifiers that enhance flexibility and durability.
The materials used to make a flat roof play a large part in determining its lifespan. A multi-layer built-up roof consisting of waterproof material, hot tar and gravel can last for 15 to 20 years. Roofs consisting of three to five layers of modified bitumen have a slightly shorter average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
What are the three types of flat roofs? ›
What are the different types of flat roofs? Built-up roof (BUR), modified bitumen roof (MBR), and rubber membrane roof (EPDM).
Are flat roofs hard to maintain? ›
Flat roofs require more maintenance than do sloped roofs because debris tends to collect on them. But they're safer to walk on than sloped roofs. As long as you're careful not to damage the roofing material as you work, it's easy to keep them functional.
Are there any benefits to a flat roof? ›
Advantages of Flat Roofs
Lower construction and repair costs. Flat roofs take up less space and consequently use less material than sloped roofs. This makes initial construction cheaper but also means savings if any extensive repairs become necessary. Versatility.
How many vents should a flat roof have? ›
The cavity must be ventilated on two opposing sides by a continuous ventilation gap of 25mm. A vapour control layer is required on the warm side of the insulation to combat condensation.
How much slope per foot for flat roof? ›
A flat roof is generally any roof with a pitch of 1-10 degrees. That means flat roofs aren't actually flat. It may look horizontal but often has a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot.
How shallow can a flat roof be? ›
FLAT ROOFS
A flat roof is defined by BS6229:1982 as being 10˚ (1in6) or shallower. In reality most people refer to flat roofs as being much flatter than this, and pitches up to 10˚ usually being referred to as shallow pitch roofs.
Can a roof hold a 400 pound person? ›
Residential roofs can hold a minimum of around 20 pounds per square foot then top out at 100 pounds per square foot.
Regular use of the flat roof as a terrace is a change of use and therefore requires planning permission. Although no physical development has taken place (they have not put up railings to enclose the terrace and don't even leave the stools out there permanently), the use is still unlawful.
Can a roof hold 300 pounds? ›
At minimum, any roof which may be used by maintenance workers must hold 300 pounds concentrated. Concentrated means that this weight can be held by any one spot on the roof.
What is the most expensive flat roof material? ›
Metal Roofing
Metal is different from most other commercial roofing material types for a few reasons. Due to the expert installation process and the nature of the material, metal is the most expensive roof type to have installed.
What color roof lasts the longest? ›
Lighter colored shingles might be better for longevity than dark colored shingles because of the way they react to light and heat.
What roof lasts 100 years? ›
Concrete, clay, and slate tiles have an average lifespan of 100 or more years. They are without a doubt the materials that last the longest but are also, bar none, some of the most expensive. Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever.
What is the best wood for a flat roof? ›
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) – this type of board is made up of layers of wood strands that have been compressed and bonded together with resin. It is strong and stable, making it a popular choice for flat roofs. Plywood – this type of board is made up of layers of thin sheets of wood that have been glued together.
Does a flat roof need gutters? ›
Gutters are the most commonly used drainage system when it comes to flat roofs. Just like the gutters installed on sloped roofs, these marvels catch rainwater and divert it into a downspout, which carries it away from the foundation.
Are flat roofs strong enough to stand on? ›
Unless your flat roof has been specifically installed to be able to be stood on, flat roofs are not designed to hold a person's body weight. By standing on the roof you can cause damage to the material, encouraging splitting and leaks, as well as being a general risk to your own safety.
Are flat roofs prone to leaking? ›
Flat roofs are highly vulnerable to leaks due to their near non-existent pitch, and many weak points. Therefore, it's vitally important that any flat roof is installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
How do you know if a flat roof is bad? ›
Blistering and Cracking
One of these signs is blistering, bubbling, and cracking of the roofing membrane. If the top layer of your flat roof looks like it's been damaged by the sun or high temperatures and it's beginning to bubble or crack, it's likely time to replace the membrane.
Flat Roofs
Here are two easy ways homeowners can take roof leaks in heavy rain into their own hands: Add gutters and downspouts so that roof water runoff drains away from the foundation. Clean out debris from gutters and downspouts; repair or replace leaking/damaged sections.
What is the best stone for a flat roof? ›
What are the best gravel stones for a flat roof? The best gravel stones for flat roofs are approximately 6mmin diameter, with rounded edges, so they do not pierce the membrane when walked on. Generally this includes granite , limestone & pea shingle.
Do you need underlayment for flat roof? ›
You might be wondering if using an underlayment is necessary. The truth is, there is no downside. Yes, it might be a little more of a financial investment but the benefits vastly outweigh the cost. With the right product, you can protect the roof base from significant damage and possible repair costs.
Why do they put pea gravel on flat roofs? ›
Gravel is used on flat roofs for two reasons: To protect the underlying layer of roofing materials, as is the case with built-up roofs (BURs). To weigh down or secure the roofing material, as is the case with single-ply flat roofs.
What is the best underlayment for a flat roof? ›
Synthetic Underlayment
This is currently the most popular choice for roof underlayment, and with good reason. Made with an asphalt-saturated basemat and fortified with a mix of fiberglass, this product is not only extremely water-resistant, much stronger and more resistant to tears than other types of underlayment.
What are three typical top applications on a flat roof? ›
The 3 Best Waterproofing Applications for Your Flat Roof
- TPO roofing membrane. TPO roofing (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply white membrane used in commercial and residential roofing. ...
- PVC roofing membrane. ...
- EPDM roofing membrane.
EPDM. The most common type of flat roofing material is EPDM, a rubber membrane manufactured from ethylene and propylene. This membrane is fully waterproof, very tough, and incredibly long-lasting. Unlike other materials, EPDM can be easily installed by both homeowners and tradespeople.
Can you put metal on a flat roof? ›
Metal works wonderfully on flat roofs that have a low pitch! Known for its durability, metal roofs are a green solution that can last several years and require very little maintenance. There are two types to consider for your flat metal roof: standing seam and MasterRib® – or corrugated metal panels.
What is the most common type of roofing material used for a flat roof? ›
Asphalt and Coal Tar
Asphalt, or coal tar and gravel, is by far the most common material used to build flat roofs. This material is a by-product of oil, and has a high melting point. The gravel also protects the roof from fire.
How do you make a flat roof attractive? ›
Using lead roll on your flat roof can add character to your home and also helps make your roof look more appealing. It also doubles as a protective cover that helps seal joins in your flat roof extension as well. If you have access to your roof, you could create a terrace or garden to enjoy the extra space.
And whenever it snows, the flat roof supports an additional insulating blanket. The R-value, or resistance to heat flow, for snow is about R-1 per inch. That means 12 inches of snow on a flat roof creates an additional R-12 of insulation that arrives at a time of year when you most need it.
Can you put new flat roof over old? ›
Is it possible to overlay an existing flat roof with Single Ply? Mostly the answer is yes, but each project should be taken on its own merits. The fact that a roof looks in good condition should not be the basis of installing a new roof covering.
How long does it take to install a flat roof? ›
What is the easiest roof to install? ›
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Relatively lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most houses. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive single shingles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one shingle at a time.
What is a white flat roof called? ›
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
This is one of the most common types of membranes used on flat roofs. It is typically white in color and has a rubbery feel. TPO is thin compared to other membranes, usually around 1.1-2 millimeters in thickness.
What are the 2 construction methods for a flat roof structure? ›
There are two types of flat roofing, warm and cold. The difference between the two is the application of the layers. A cold roof involves applying insulation between the rafters while warm roofing this is placed on top of the roof.
What are the methods of waterproofing a flat roof? ›
There are three main methods to waterproof your flat roof, namely; liquid waterproofing, single-ply membrane, and using reinforced bitumen membranes.
What are the 3 main types of roofs? ›
Three Common Roof Designs and Their Advantages
- Hip. A hip roof has slopes on all of its sides. The roof doesn't have even a single vertical side. ...
- Gable. A gable roof features two sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. ...
- Flat. A flat roof has an extremely low pitch and is almost horizontally level.
The sizing and spacing will depend upon the loads imposed on them and the required span. Wherever possible, joists should span the shortest distance. Common joists sizes are 200 x 50mm, 175 x 50mm, and 150 x 50mm. The joists will normally be placed at 400mm centres but no more than 600mm centres.
What angle should a flat roof be? ›
What is the most appropriate angle for Flat Roofing? Normally, 1:80 (0.72⁰) is the recommended minimum angle for a slope, and this is universal across the vast majority of flat roofing systems, regardless of the materials that they incorporate.
What are the best gravel stones for a flat roof? The best gravel stones for flat roofs are approximately 6mmin diameter, with rounded edges, so they do not pierce the membrane when walked on. Generally this includes granite , limestone & pea shingle.
How long should water stay on flat roof? ›
Standing water on a flat roof for 12-36 hours after a rain storm can be normal, but according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, any water found ponding on flat roofs for longer than 2 full days should be examined by a professional commercial roofing contractor.
What happens to rainwater on flat roofs? ›
Gutters are the most commonly used drainage system when it comes to flat roofs. Just like the gutters installed on sloped roofs, these marvels catch rainwater and divert it into a downspout, which carries it away from the foundation.
Do flat roofs need to be sealed? ›
For flat roofs, regular roof sealing is absolutely crucial since they are at high risk of ponding. So, the surface has to be perfectly waterproof to prevent leakage of water into your building. Even the smallest of leaks should be dealt with promptly to prevent any water damage.
What is the strongest roof shape? ›
What Type of Roof Is the Strongest? A metal hip roof offers the most durability of any common roofing design. Because hip roofs have an inward slope, they're ideal for regions that are prone to strong wind and frequent snow.
What is the cheapest roof shape? ›
The cheapest roof design is a roof with just hips, which are the sloping part, while the gable is the triangular bit on the end of the roof. A lot of subdivisions require a roof with hips and gables (rather than just a hip roof) so that is the most common form of roof construction.
What is the cheapest roof style? ›
If you want the absolute lowest costing roofing material, asphalt shingles are usually your best option. Dimensional asphalt shingles are very durable, affordable, and go well with most residential structures. Affordable concrete tiles or corrugated metal roofing can also be great options for a budget-friendly roof.
