However flat roofs require much more aggressive and consistent maintenance than a pitched roof.
Flat to pitched roof.
If you have a flat roof on a part of your property they often are susceptible to problems and so it is now common practice to convert a flat roof into a pitched roof.
People generally tend to prefer the style of a pitched roof especially on residential structures.
This guide has been submitted by one of the sites members and so it should help to understand what is involved.
Low pitched roofs have the pitch below 4 12 33 3.
Advantages to pitched roofs over flat roofs.
To get rid of ponding water problems.
These are generally difficult in maintenance as they require special materials to avoid leaks.
If you have a high rise building converting your flat roof to a pitched one may not be applicable.
According to improve net s online roofing calculator a flat roof is significantly cheaper than a pitched roof.
Pitched roofs look very out of.
This latest project was in early december in lambeth ontario for a residential home that had an existing sloped or shingled roof that needed to tie into a ne.
While that s the easiest route it s certainly not your only option.
Depending on the climate your flat roof will only last between 15 and 30 years if well maintained.
The flat roof already has a slight pitch as it is required by law.
Generally these roofs have a pitch from 1 2 12 to 2 12 from 4 2 to 16 7.
Aesthetics are a real consideration here.
However do take the architecture of your home into consideration.
Various styles of a pitched roof can be built or you can purchase pre manufactured trusses.
You will need to ensure that you are in standards with your local building codes and have the permits required.
Unlike sloped roofs flat roofs are susceptible to ponding water.
Flat roofs are not perfectly flat in reality they need a small slope for water runoff.
Most roof leaks on both flat and pitched roofs are due to failed flashing pieces of metal or other material covering joints between a roof plane and intervening elements such as walls vent pipes chimneys dormer windows etc it s also common that a flat roof of sound design.
Flat roofs also don t last as long.
A pitched roof is more expensive.
Just because a flat roof leaks doesn t mean it s all bad.
Pitched roofs last substantially longer in most climates.
Additional valleys angles and gables can be built into converted roofs as well but adding these elements may affect your project.
Flat roofing systems come with benefits and drawbacks.
Most people view pitching a flat roof as a tedious job.
A 900 square foot flat roof in the san francisco area made of concrete tiles costs.