Converting a pitched roof to a flat roof
6/23/2018 at 11:52:12 AM
We have a one-story house which was built in 1973 and originally had a flat roof, as most houses here do. The flat roof is still intact beneath a pitched roof that was erected later. The pitch is quite steep and the roof is covered with corrugated metal which was simply nailed - not screwed - into the framing beneath. As you can imagine, the roof (which has apparently been in place some 25 years or more) has been leaking steadily. Fortunately the flat roof that is still in place has been preventing any leaks from affecting the house structure or interior, but obviously this situation is not ideal and we are looking to repair or replace the exterior roofing. Unfortunately the framing that supports the pitched roof is very sub-standard and will need considerable attention to strengthen it before any repairs or replacements can be done. It occurred to us that perhaps it might be cheaper and easier to rip off the pitched roof entirely and renovate the existing flat roof instead. Any thoughts?
6/23/2018 at 7:26:03 PM
Hi Leticia;
You're on the right track in thinking that removal of the pitched roof is the simplest and most straightforward solution. Because the pitched roof needs repair it would need to be brought up to today's Code. Which, does not allow for hand cut roof structures over a certain span distance (25ft if memory serves although it could be 30ft) beyond which, you would need engineered drawings and roof plan drawn up and stamped as well as permits to repair the roof. Before work begins you've already spent upwards of $2500+ just to get the go ahead and plans to begin work. Demolishing the pitched roof and repairing the flat roof as neededay require a demolition permit, but engineered drawings would not be required.
Hope that helps steer your decision. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly.
- Tim
6/23/2018 at 7:33:16 PM
The answer may not be that simple, but as the original roof was flat, the house would have been designed for that and the roof likely should have stayed that way. What other renovations were done? Assuming your home is in Albuquerque, your climate is different than ours, but I would recommend going back to a flat roof.
6/24/2018 at 2:26:30 AM
I would recommend you remove the steel from your existing roof and keep it at the pitch it is since it's way better than having a flat roof. Repair it as necessary and install asphalt shingles or equivalent professionally. Sorry to hear that someone nailed your Steel panels
6/24/2018 at 2:26:32 AM
I would recommend you remove the steel from your existing roof and keep it at the pitch it is since it's way better than having a flat roof. Repair it as necessary and install asphalt shingles or equivalent professionally. Sorry to hear that someone nailed your Steel panels
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