Should I Convert My Flat Roof to a Pitched Roof?

Most people who are interested in switching from a flat roof to a pitched roof are tired of leaks, maintenance, and other problems. Shingles, stone, and other asphalt roofing materials have been the most popular roofing materials for flat roofs until recently. Even today, there are roofing companies in New Braunfels Texas that recommend installing asphalt (also known as construction roofing). These types of roofs dry out, crack and lead to headaches even before the material’s warranty period expires. In addition, improperly installed flat roof systems require regular maintenance and repair. Therefore, many people want to convert their low-density roof to a pitched roof, which is often called a roof conversion.

For those in this desperate situation, let’s look at all your options and the pros and cons of transitioning. Roofing manufacturers have introduced reliable flat roofing sheets such as TPO and EPDM, which have grown in reliability and popularity over the past decade. While shingles may seem to solve all your problems, the truth is that TPO and EPDM membranes are just as waterproof as shingled roofing.

It is important to find a roofing contractor who can identify the right type of membrane and install it correctly. This is important because the reliability of the roof is determined by the quality of the material and the level of expertise that installed it. If you can find a professional contractor to install a solid roof on your home or business, it is 3–4 times cheaper than replacing the roof. White roofing sheets can save a lot of energy, resulting in long-term energy savings.

If you’re thinking about replacing your roof to add value to your home, keep in mind that your home’s value can increase by about half of the replacement cost. Therefore, if you plan to sell your home in the next 7–10 years, replacing the roof may not be worth the time and money spent.

However, there are some practical reasons for replacing a solid roof. Perhaps the best reason I found was a situation I encountered a few days ago. The homeowner is concerned that his flat roof is not suitable. He heard the cry of newly fallen snow. This distortion is the result of metal cracking over time. Nails and screws can break just like wood structural members. If metal shrinks or wood dries out or shrinks, dangerous and destructive situations can occur.

A quality roof modification, done correctly, will distribute the load on the walls of the building. In the former case, the improvements will help his fragile roof to be reliable in the long run.

Some good options for converting your flat roof to a pitched roof include:

• You just love the look of shingles. If money is not an issue, the value of the system’s benefits alone will suffice.
• Roof modifications lead to easier and more efficient expansion. Installing a round roof on R40 is more economical than trying to install a flat roof on R19. (Rock or sheeting is usually required to protect flat surfaces.) You can insulate above the roof deck and below the waterproofing system with a rigid installation, but it’s still cheaper.
• The water vapor that creates moisture under a roofing system is not as easy on a flat roof because it can create an efficient airflow pattern. (If the humidity in the house is the same as outside, coughing is not a problem.)
• You can create extra storage or even an extra room in the space between your existing apartment and the new roof.
• Timber roofs are 40% more durable than flat roofs. They live 25–50 years, a flat membrane lasts about 15–20 years.
• A flat roof is 10–20% more expensive than installing a roof (after brushing). This is because the manufacturing of the membrane is very expensive and requires special labor.

Ultimately, it’s up to you and your circumstances to decide if roof replacement is right for you and your home.