Flat Dormitory Roof

Flat and low sloped roofs look striking on a wide variety of architectural models especially on contemporary house designs.

Flat dormitory roof.

Also known as low slope roofs flat roofs are less common in north american residential construction because the low slope of a flat roof has an increased tendency to collect water rather than shed like its more steeply pitched alternative. The flat roof on these dormers gives them a boxy appearance that isn t as attractive as other types. However building costs for the simple style are lower and the shape maximizes space beneath the roof and allows for larger windows and their advantages. This may make it less ideal for rainy or snowy climates.

Ask any architect and they ll tell you that hardly any other type of architecture is as timeless and modern as that of flat roof houses. The table below shows common roof pitches and the equivalent grade degrees and radians for each. The kind of roof on the dormer may complement the larger roof or other architectural details of the house. Of course flat roofs are not flat but have a very slight roof pitch of between 1 4 to 1 2 per foot.

So every flat roof actually has a gentle rise and fall created by a frame that enables water to run off the roof naturally and thus avoid any problems caused by weeds or other plant matter starting to grow on the roof. Flat roofs are always built at a slight incline at least 1 8 inch per foot. A pitch over 9 12 is considered a steep slope roof between 2 12 and 4 12 is considered a low slope roof and less than 2 12 is considered a flat roof. Large expanses of glass windows doors etc often appear in modern house plans and help to aid in energy efficiency as well as indoor outdoor flow.

Flat shed and wall dormers are often quite large. Most roof s have a pitch in the 4 12 to 9 12 range. Modern home plans present rectangular exteriors flat or slanted roof lines and super straight lines. The dormer has its own roof which may be flat arched hipped pointed or ornamented.

Dormer windows may be built into the roof or a wall and they come in many shapes and sizes. In fact many residences have sections of flat roof on porches balconies garages and room extensions which appear so attractive. These clean ornamentation free house plans. Just enough slope to drain water but also flat enough to be a problem if not constructed properly.