Pitched Roof Over Existing Flat Roof

On houses new pitched roofs typically are supported by the exterior walls as with standard sloped roof construction.

Pitched roof over existing flat roof.

Most homeowners choose to convert a flat roof to a pitched one using a simple trussed roof with two angled planes. You can also use the knowledge you gain to evaluate prospective roofing contractors. Flat roofs aren t architecturally logical as rain and snow will shed much more quickly off a sloped roof. Also after a while all roofs come under strain.

Since flat roofs need more maintenance and are more prone to leaks you will need to make sure to fix all leaks and issues before installing a pitched roof over the flat roof. There are many different systems available today to turn flat roofs into pitched metal roofs. A flat roof can often have pooling water that can lead to leaks. If you prefer the look of shingles over tar a pitched roof may also be an option for you.

Likewise the structure can be built with engineered wood trusses or traditional rafter framing. If the structure contains windows then you ll need a low pitch for example. There are a few ways to dealing with a pitched roof if you choose to convert to a flat roof. Pitching a flat roof can let you add an attic or second floor with slanted ceilings.

It depends on a lot of variables like the condition of the existing flat roof including the state of the joints and the material its made of. Analyze the condition of the existing roof. The reason we included this section is to give you a good idea of how to build a sloped roof over a flat roof. You can tear off the existing roof remove the trusses and strengthen the joists.

As we just covered flat roofs are much less weather resistant than pitched roofs. This has to happen whether you re just removing the pitched roof or adding another floor with a flat roof. While that s the easiest route it s certainly not your only option. If minor flashing or membrane repair will not yield long term results a slope conversion process is in order.

That way you know the process. How to make a flat roof have a pitch general steps obviously you shouldn t do the work all by yourself. Of course you don t need to live in a modern house to deal with a flat roof. Building a pitched roof over an existing flat roof.

The typical way is to remove the existing roof and add new framing to the home that create a pitched roof over the old flat roof area. Replacing a roof can be expensive but if a roof contains only a small slope it s possible to raise the roof pitch of a house by building a roof over the old one. Also the appearance of a flat roof may not be desirable for a residential home. Additional valleys angles and gables can be built into converted roofs as well but adding these elements may affect your project.

Yet for historic modern style buildings like this old house s cambridge tv project flat roofs are at the core of the architecture meant to reflect the broad horizontal lines of the natural landscape.