Flat Roof To Pitch

Should I convert my flat roof to a pitched roof?

Does your flat roof pond water? Converting a flat roof to a pitched roof has many benefits. Positive roof drainage means never having water sit on your flat roof again. However, flat roofs also have many ongoing concerns, including water sitting on them and possible mold issues from moisture between drywall and the roof. Also, flat roofs have no attic space for ventilation and usually no insulation.

Are you tired of dealing with the same old flat roof issues? If so, consider some of the options available today.

Replace the roof with a quality roofing product such as self-adhered roof systems.
Clean the roof and apply a primer, then a white roof coating product for longevity.
Pitch the roof with a roof-tapered system.
Pitch roofs with wood rafters, commonly called sleepers.

Converting Flat Roof To Pitch Using Trusses

For aesthetic reasons, you may also want to pitch the roof with rafters or trusses to match the existing house roof. Pitched roofs with shingles or metal can look better than flat ones. Plus, the following benefits to converting a flat roof to a pitched roof, in addition to being esthetically nicer, are;

A pitched roof can also be more energy efficient, as the attic space can be insulated with a high R-value.
Pitch roofs can have a 40% longer life than flat roofs.
Insurance companies will not insure a flat roof after a certain period.
The home value will increase with a flat roof conversion.
No longer annoyed with another drip-drip-drip.
The constant fear of a rainstorm while you are away from home.

Taper Roof Systems

Taper roof systems can pitch a flat roof 1/8″ and 1/4″ per foot. The taper boards can also add some insulating value to the roof. These taper boards are installed to the wood deck with screws and 3″ plates to hold to the deck. Depending on the conditions and expense, the right system can be installed to meet your needs.

With systems available today, there is no reason a homeowner should put up with roof water leaks. We’ll be able to talk with you about which system or product works best for you. Whether a small pitch with sleepers or a large pitch with trusses, we have installed hundreds of them and can install either one for the homeowner. Are you looking to eliminate water on the flat roof leaking whenever it rains?

Rafter or Sleeper Pitched Roof

A third option for pitching a flat roof is using rafters, sometimes called sleepers. These are board lumber cut at an angle from zero on one end to 8, 10, or 12 inches on the opposite end. They create a positive drain. If an AC duct is required in the room beneath the flat roof, the larger 2″ x 12″ boards allow the ducting.

The pictures in this article depict this system being used. The cost is relatively low because the materials used are rafters and plywood. The overhang soffits are not touched. We also cut openings beneath the existing roof for air to ventilate into the pitched attic area. The small space between the two roof structures will have full ventilation.

General Contractors

As general contractors, we can build and install systems that other roofers cannot use without a license. When pitching flat roofs, homeowners have many options. One popular system is a tapered roof. We are trained and experienced in these options and can identify the best choice for your conditions. For a free estimate, contact Florida Roofing and Renovations Inc., which is State-Certified and has both licenses in Florida. We excel in all types of roofing and renovations mentioned in this article.

Call us today at 321-914-3360 or email us here.