Been looking into butterfly roofs lately, mostly because they look pretty cool and modern. But I'm wondering if they're practical enough to justify the extra cost and potential drainage issues. Anyone here have experience with them or thoughts on whether they're worth it?
"Been looking into butterfly roofs lately, mostly because they look pretty cool and modern. But I'm wondering if they're practical enough to justify the extra cost and potential drainage issues."
Good question—honestly, butterfly roofs do look awesome, but from a storm damage perspective...I have some reservations. The design naturally funnels water toward the center, which means drainage has to be spot-on or you'll end up with pooling issues pretty quickly. I've seen cases where even minor debris buildup (leaves, twigs, etc.) can clog drains and create headaches during heavy rainstorms.
That said, it's not impossible to make them work well. If you go for it, I'd definitely recommend investing in high-quality waterproofing materials and making sure your drainage system is easy to access for regular maintenance. Maybe budget for a little extra upkeep too, just in case.
So yeah, they're practical enough—but only if you're prepared to put in the extra effort (and cash) upfront. Otherwise, you might find yourself wishing you'd gone for something simpler down the road.
I've worked on a couple butterfly roofs over the past few years, and while they're definitely eye-catching, drainage can be a real pain if not done right. One job I remember, the homeowner skimped a bit on waterproofing and didn't plan for easy drain access. After just one autumn season, leaves clogged the drains, water pooled, and we had to go back and fix water damage inside the house. Not fun for anyone involved.
But honestly, if you're thorough from the start—good quality waterproof membranes, proper slope angles, and easy-to-clean drains—then it can work out fine. Just don't underestimate how quickly debris can build up, especially if you've got trees nearby.
Have you thought about what kind of materials you'd use for the roof surface itself? Some hold up better than others when dealing with frequent moisture exposure...might be worth looking into that before you decide.
Totally agree about drainage being the make-or-break factor. One thing I'd add is to consider installing leaf guards or strainers right from the start—makes maintenance way easier. Also, EPDM rubber roofing has worked well on butterfly roofs I've helped with; it's durable, flexible, and handles standing water better than some other options. Just make sure whoever installs it knows their stuff, because seams can be tricky if rushed or done sloppy...seen that happen too many times.
Good points about drainage and EPDM. Butterfly roofs can be great, but they're definitely not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. I've installed a few over the years, and one thing I'd emphasize is making sure your roof slope is designed properly from the get-go. Even a slight miscalculation can lead to pooling water, and that's where most of the headaches start.
Also, don't underestimate the importance of regular inspections—especially after heavy storms or seasonal changes. Leaf guards are a solid suggestion; I've seen plenty of butterfly roofs clogged up with leaves and debris, causing water to back up and leak into the home.
If you're already leaning toward this style for aesthetic reasons, just make sure you're prepared for a bit more upkeep and initial investment. Done right, they can be reliable and visually impressive, but cutting corners on materials or installation usually ends up costing more down the line.
