ABSTRACT
Flat roofs are the simplest form of roof construction and the least expensive to construct. However they can also be the most troublesome, since they have a tendency to leak and need much more regular maintenance than pitched roofs. There are a number of reasons for this and these will be considered in this chapter. Because of the problems associated with flat roof construction this form of construction tends to be avoided where possible. However, there are situations where a flat roof may be considered to be a more acceptable option than a pitched roof, for instance on an extension where there is not the room to accommodate the height of a pitched roof or where a pitched roof may look out of keeping with either the building or its surroundings.
