The end of flat roofs as we know them?

Since the dawn of time, people have been trying to prevent rain falling into their buildings. Look back through history, and steep roofs with eaves have been overwhelmingly dominant – and for good reason.
Only in relatively recent times have flat roofs become more common. This commonality masks the inherent problems of flat roofs compared to those with steeper pitches. In recent decades residential buildings have seen a progressive increase in box gutters, complex multipitch roofs and parapet walls with no eaves.
The world of flat roofs (and parapets, box gutters etc) could get a big shake up – particularly in climates where we use a heater in winter. Current condensation mitigation regulations apply to NCC climate zones 6,7 and 8, and it is planned for requirements to extend to climate zones 4 and 5 in the near future. This change is not driven by the intrinsic risks of moisture ingress, but rather the risks associated with water vapour and condensation.