If your flat roof requires multiple patches and repairs throughout the year, you may think the only option you have available is to replace it. Before you replace your flat roof, ask a roofer if they can increase the roof's pitch, or slope, instead. A roofing contractor can examine your flat roof to see what they can do to add more pitch to it. Below are things a roofing contractor may do to turn your flat roof into a pitched roof.
Choose the Right Pitch for Your Roof
The first thing a roofer may decide to do is choose the correct pitch for your home. The new pitch must be high enough to support the plumbing lines, air ducts, and electrical wires that hide behind your ceiling. If the pitch isn't high enough to support the structures, they can become compromised, or even damaged, over time.
In order to choose the right pitch for your flat roof, a contractor will need to measure the entire surface, or span, of your roof. The measurements help determine where to increase the pitch on the roof. If a contractor places the pitch in the wrong place, the roof may appear lopsided later on.
A roofer may also use the measurements to determine the costs and expenses you'll incur to pitch your roof. If you need clarification about the costs or expenses, speak to a roofer immediately.
After they determine where to place the pitch on your roof, a contractor will complete the work by installing trusses on your home.
Install Trusses on the Roof
Pitched roofs generally use trusses, or triangular-shaped frames, for their framing. However, flat roofs rely on joists as their support bases. In order to increase the pitch of your roof properly, a contractor must attach trusses to the roof's joists.
In order for the trusses to fit properly after installation, they must connect directly to your home's outer walls. The walls must be high enough to attach the trusses without weakening them or compromising the integrity of your home. If the walls are too low on the home, a contractor will extend them.
It may be necessary to remove some or all of your home's siding to accommodate the changes in your walls. In this case, you may want to upgrade your siding to complete the work on your home. A contractor can install the new siding on your home after they increase the pitch on your roof, or they may recommend contractors who can install siding for you.
After they complete all of the work above, a contractor will cover the trusses with new roofing materials.
For more details about raising the pitch on your flat roof, contact a local company, like Hancock Construction & Roofing.