Flat roofing systems come with benefits and drawbacks.
Pitched roof on flat roof.
Pitched roofs are common in areas with wet and changing weather conditions for this reason.
Depending on the climate your flat roof will only last between 15 and 30 years if well maintained.
If you have a high rise building converting your flat roof to a pitched one may not be applicable.
Anything pitched 3 and 12 or less is considered a low sloped roof.
However flat roofs require much more aggressive and consistent maintenance than a pitched roof.
According to improve net s online roofing calculator a flat roof is significantly cheaper than a pitched roof.
This has to happen whether you re just removing the pitched roof or adding another floor with a flat roof.
When we roof a flat or low slope roof we use a membrane system to cover it.
You can tear off the existing roof remove the trusses and strengthen the joists.
You will need to ensure that you are in standards with your local building codes and have the permits required.
You either have to raise the height of the eaves or lower the height of the ridge.
When it comes to the disadvantages some property owners are being pestered by leaks.
Flat roofs also don t last as long.
The flat roof already has a slight pitch as it is required by law.
More thermally effective as it reduces the surface of the walls in contact with the outside world.
To get rid of ponding water problems.
Flat roofing is popular with modern and contemporary designs.
While that s the easiest route it s certainly not your only option.
Additional valleys angles and gables can be built into converted roofs as well but adding these elements may affect your project.
Putting aside the obvious question of that s a terrible idea why would you want to do that there are really only two ways to go about that.
It is a significant renovation if you are converting from flat to pitched.
A pitched roof is more expensive.
Various styles of a pitched roof can be built or you can purchase pre manufactured trusses.
A membrane system is a sheet of roofing material which we install to keep even standing water from leaking into the building.
In general a pitched roof costs more to install because it will take longer and require more material than a flat roof.
The only real problem with a pitched roof compared to a flat roof is the initial upfront installation cost.
There are a few ways to dealing with a pitched roof if you choose to convert to a flat roof.
A 900 square foot flat roof in the san francisco area made of concrete tiles costs.
The most common.
Pitched roofs are anything 4 and 12 or above.
Unlike sloped roofs flat roofs are susceptible to ponding water.
Aesthetically pitched roofing is seen as the more traditional option.