Flat to Pitch Conversion

Are you wondering whether to convert your roof? Would you like some advice?

Flat roofs have a bad reputation. There is a tendency for the materials used on older roofs to deteriorate under UV light, sunlight or through the affects of standing water. One solution to the problems these flaws cause is to convert your flat roof to a pitched roof.

Although a conversion is expensive, in some cases it is the best option. Whether or not you choose to convert your roof is likely to depend on both your budget and your relationship to the building.

There are some excellent flat roof solutions available so for example, if you are a tenant, it is probably not worth your while to convert a flat roof to a pitched one unless the support system has been so badly damaged by leaks that you are going to have to replace the entire superstructure of the roof, anyway. Conversely, if you are a landlord in the process of refurbishing a property to sell or let you will have different concerns and for you, a conversion may be the best choice, even if it costs more.

Why is a pitched roof better?

If you are thinking of converting your flat roof to pitched, here are seven reasons why pitched roofs tend to perform better than flat.

1. Pitched roofs allow for better drainage.

2. The angle of the roof allows water to run off at increased speeds. It also runs through gullies and guttering faster than water off a flat roof, allowing more dirt and dead plant matter to be washed away and keeping gutters and drains clearer.

3. Pitched roofs are safer, simpler and therefore quicker and less complicated to fit.

4. Until recently replacing flat roofs entailed heating chemicals and spreading pitch, both dangerous and difficult jobs for our workforce. These days there are many more reliable systems which do not require this but many still require heating and sealing.

5. They are more pleasing on the eye.

6. Many people associate flat roofs with old fashioned 60s and 70s architecture. Often, fitting a pitched roof as part of a refurbishment can revitalise an older building, giving it a more contemporary feel.

7. On the whole, a pitched roof lasts longer than a flat roof.

8. Many of the flat roofing systems coming onto the market are likely to last longer than older types. Some have manufacturer’s guarantees of 15 years upwards which means they are more likely to last as much as 25 years or more. However, a pitched roof is still likely to outlast even these flat roofing systems.

9. A pitched roof requires less maintenance than a flat roof.

10. All roofs need to be checked and maintained especially the drainage and guttering systems. However, the better drainage enjoyed by a pitched roof means drainage channels are likely to be clearer than those on a flat roof. As a result of this, they may not need to be checked and cleared as often as a flat roof.

11. A pitched roof is stronger than a flat roof.

12. A pitched roof can bear more weight than a flat roof allowing a wider choice in roofing systems and safer maintenance.

14. 7. They are more robust.

15. Pitched roofs tend to withstand gale damage better than flat roofs because of their aerodynamic shape.