Modern homes and gravity have a funny relationship. Who’s idea was it make a flat roof? Well, they aren’t actually flat, there’s a little slope. Rather than using gutters like a traditional roof system, flat roofing styles employ a system of “catches” or drains to get the water down to the ground. We have to whatever we can to keep water away from your treasured 1960’s sideboard. Leaves, twigs and other tree droppings can wreak havoc on these systems so it’s recommended to keep an eye on the condition of the drain paths, just like a valley on a tile roof.
Some of the materials used to coat a flat style roof could be tar and gravel, rolled composition strips, foam or TPO. There are more, but these are the most common.
When considering the purchase of a modern style home with a non-traditional roofing system, you should rely upon the experience of your buying agent to help guide you through the ways to inspect, confirm and possibly negotiate if there is a problem.