Both your personal requirements and the needs of your property will sway your decision either way so it s vital to do your research first.
Flat to pitched roof.
Pitched roofs last substantially longer in most climates.
It is a significant renovation if you are converting from flat to pitched.
According to improve net s online roofing calculator a flat roof is significantly cheaper than a pitched roof.
Additional valleys angles and gables can be built into converted roofs as well but adding these elements may affect your project.
If you have a high rise building converting your flat roof to a pitched one may not be applicable.
Most homeowners choose to convert a flat roof to a pitched one using a simple trussed roof with two angled planes.
Pitched roofs look very out of.
This is because it is a more complex design than a flat roof that requires increased labour and additional materials.
A 900 square foot flat roof in the san francisco area made of concrete tiles costs.
Flat roofs are more common for commercial buildings and while not as architecturally beautiful as a pitched roof can also be used for residential buildings.
You can tear off the existing roof remove the trusses and strengthen the joists.
While that s the easiest route it s certainly not your only option.
First of all a flat nay or may not be actually flat.
According to the international building code the typical built up flat roof that uses tar or asphalt goes by the guideline that for every foot 12 inches of a flat roof a minimum of inch must step up or down.
A pitched roof is more expensive.
There are a few ways to dealing with a pitched roof if you choose to convert to a flat roof.
Unlike sloped roofs flat roofs are susceptible to ponding water.
It s all in what you want from your roof.
Is a flat roof going to cause me problems.
This is the basis for calculating the angle which is approximately a 1 19 degree slope.
Flat roofing systems come with benefits and drawbacks.
This has to happen whether you re just removing the pitched roof or adding another floor with a flat roof.
To get rid of ponding water problems.
Aesthetics are a real consideration here.
Whether you re building a home from scratch or replacing your roof with a brand new design the first you ll need to weigh up the pros and cons of both flat roof and pitched roofs.
Advantages to pitched roofs over flat roofs.
However flat roofs require much more aggressive and consistent maintenance than a pitched roof.
People generally tend to prefer the style of a pitched roof especially on residential structures.
However do take the architecture of your home into consideration.
When it comes to the disadvantages some property owners are being pestered by leaks.
Pitched roofs cost more than a flat roof and also take longer to install.
