Extension Roof and Kitchen Query

We are currently working with an architect on a single-story extension and have two questions:

1. The architect is pushing a flat roof as opposed to a pitched one - claims that modern flat roofs are a far cry from the "torched felt" ones. We have a nagging concern over leaking at some point in the future. with a flat roof, though aesthetically it will look better than a pitched one. Can anyone give us guidance on which we should go with?

2. We have shortlisted Craftstone in Ballyogan to supply us with a Pro-Norm kitchen. Anyone had any experience with either Craftstone or Pro-Norm kitchens?

Thnx

Maybe look at the cladding that looks like tiles?

We're not so much worried about how it will look as the risk of leaking. The cladding-type roof is pretty durable, the question is "Is a flat roof as good from a leak-proofing point of view"?

This thread and post no. 6 from Carpenter might help http://www.askaboutmoney.com/showthread.php?t=49942

An architect recommends a flat roof? Surely he knows the risks involved as it begins to age, go with your gut feeling on this one a flat roof in years to come can be a bit of a nightmare not to mention the extra cost of repair bills, the pitched roof should be a lifetime job.

Good Luck

Andre

Todays flat roofs are a far cry from the torch on felt ones of the past. The most common ones now are plastic memnranes such as trocal or paralon. The problem with the felt roofs is that when the UV light got at them it made them brittle and they cracked. This doesnt happen with the new high-performance membranes. These are used on all kinds of buildings from houses to large offices and shopping centres. If you use a company recommended by the manufactorer they should be able to provide you with a 15 or 25 year garauntee for the roof- if anything goes wrong they will pay for it.

GMT_Turbo said:

they should be able to provide you with a 15 or 25 year garauntee for the roof- if anything goes wrong they will pay for it.

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In my experience this is a load of XXXXXX. You usually get about 10 years guarantee on the actual product but only 1 or 2 year guarantee on the jointing/overlapping or workmanship in general. After 2 years say and something goes wrong the workmanship is blamed and hey presto you have no guarantee.