For many residential and commercial buildings, a flat roof can provide an ideal design element that contributes to a modern, contemporary look. And, flat roofs can also be much less expensive to build compared to having a pitched roof installed on the same building.
However, flat roofs aren’t without their disadvantages. Because of their low slope, flat roofs don’t do a very good job of shedding water, snow, ice, and debris. They can also require higher-maintenance drainage systems, and they’re more prone to water leaks and mold compared to pitched roofs. Over time, flat roofs will need to be repaired or replaced more frequently than pitched roofs, too.
Because of the clear advantages that pitched roofs have, the question is often posed, “Can I convert my flat roof to a pitched roof?”
In this article, the roofing experts at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors are answering this question and giving you some points to consider if you’re thinking about having this type of conversion done to your property.
Options for Flat-to-Pitched Roof Conversions
The good news is that virtually any flat roof can be converted to a pitched roof with a large enough budget for work conducted within a long enough timeline. The cost to perform the conversion will mostly depend on a few important variables, including:
- New pitched roof complexity
- Existing building architecture
- Location and integrity of existing roof joists
Some options for flat-to-pitched roof conversions involve installing a pitched roof on top of the existing flat roof. Alternatively, it might even be possible to install an entire floor on top of the flat roof and then add the new, pitched roof on top of that. Again, the property owner’s budget ends up being the limiting factor for virtually all roof conversions of this kind.
Make no mistake: converting a flat roof to a pitched roof is an involved, multi-phased project that is going to take some serious planning. But, with a knowledgeable roofer like A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors working with you, all of the variables can be controlled for, and the project can go a lot smoother than you might think!
How Much Will It Cost?
When it comes to estimating the cost of a flat-to-pitched roof conversion, there are just too many factors to consider in order to provide a one-size-fits-all estimate.
Some flat roofs might not even need to be converted to pitched roofs if moisture exposure is the chief concern. In these cases, a high-quality roofing membrane paired with an updated drainage system could be a much more cost-effective option.
For most residential buildings, a total roof replacement will cost upwards of $30,000 or more. Commercial buildings will likely cost much more to convert, especially when square footages and higher roof elevations come into play.
The best way to arrive at an accurate estimate for a roof conversion is to have an on-site evaluation performed by a qualified roofing expert. We’re always happy to provide these evaluations for free!
Other Factors to Consider
When converting a flat roof to a pitched roof, it’s important to remember that the overall height of the building is being increased, and therefore, certain infrastructure will need to be modified to accommodate the new building dimensions.
This can include chimneys, load-bearing framing, and HVAC components like air ducts and exhaust pipes. Keep in mind, too, that the new exterior walls of the home or business are going to need new siding. For some projects, this can be a great time to simply replace all of the siding on the building at once, resulting in a seamless final look.
The new pitched roof might need to have valleys, gables, and angles in order to function effectively. These features will undoubtedly add complexity and cost to the project, so be prepared to discuss these options with the roofer you select for the job.
For Roof Conversions, Expertise Is Everything!
For a flat-to-pitched roof conversion, you don’t want to settle for anything less than the most experienced and most highly qualified roofing contractor you can find.
A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors has been performing top-tier roofing conversions since our founding in 1993. We are always happy to share our completed project details with you so you’ll have peace of mind in knowing we have performed outstanding work that is similar in scope to what you’re looking to have done. Just ask!
For us, there is no roofing project too big or too small. To learn more about how we can help you, contact our team today.