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Why Do Architects Insist on Using Flat Roofs?

“ natural law that gable roofs are always the answer “. Wrong.

If you are dealing with a max height restriction, would you rather use the upper 15 ft for a useless gable roof or for useable space? Yes there could be usable attic space under a gable, but not as much as a flat roof.

He mentions rain drainage and snow loads. The roof can be flat with a 1/4” slope and rain won’t be an issue … if the scuppers are kept open. And just design the structure for snow loads.
 
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Also, the effects of the Wind Loads will be much less on a flat roof.

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I worked on a project in Mississippi, not far from Gulf coast, not long after Katrina. The college had so much damage on flat roof buildings that the trustees had decided all roofs were to be sloped. The around 100' x 150' performing arts center got really tall, easily tallest building not just on campus, but in entire community. Basically built a sloped metal roof on top of a flat slab that would have otherwise been the roof.
 
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