4 Reasons Flat Roofs Are Great for Granny Flats

Posted on: 11 November 2022

If you're going to have an older family member staying with you on a permanent basis, granny flats can be ideal. They offer a small living space that's on your property but still separate from your home, so older family members can enjoy their independence and privacy while still being right there next to you.

Of course, there are a few vital things you need to think about when you're planning to add a granny flat, and people are often surprised to learn how important it is to decide on the right type of roof. While each option has its own benefits, most people find flat roofs are a perfect fit for granny flats.

Here are just four reasons why.

1. Maximizes Space  

A granny flat is naturally going to be much smaller than other dwellings, so you need to make the best use of available space. Flat roofs are ideal since ceilings can be a little higher, and the lack of any noticeable sloping means inside space is going to feel more open and inviting. This is especially important in single-story buildings like granny flats since you're still going to need to free up space for things like an HVAC system.

2. Cost Effective

Granny flats represent serious investments, so you'll naturally want to keep costs manageable without sacrificing quality. Flat roofs provide the perfect opportunity to do just that. You'll usually find that granny flat kits come with flat roofs as the standard option. If you do want a pitched roof, you're probably going to end up paying more. That's down to the fact that flat roofs require less material than pitched ones and are much easier and faster to install.

3. Easier on Neighbours

If you have close neighbours, you're going to think about how a granny flat will affect them. A pitched roof can be tall enough to block sunlight or views. In fact, this can sometimes make getting the necessary planning permission harder. Flat roofs are a better option since they don't extend as high.

4. Efficiency

Smaller dwellings often suffer from energy efficiency issues, but that doesn't tend to be such a problem when owners opt for a flat roof. Having a sloped roof means having a lot of overhead space that isn't being used, which means your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain the right temperature. Flat roofs minimize the amount of unused overhead space, so they tend to be more efficient.

For more information on granny flat kits, contact a roofer near you.

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