Are flat roofs harder to build then gable roofs?
Friday, May 30th, 2008 at
4:51 am
Rocketman asked:
We are designing a house and I am curious to know whether flat roofs are harder to build then gable roofs etc? Also are they cheaper or more expensive to build than gables etc?
Tagged with: Flat Roofs • Gable Roofs
Filed under: Do It Yourself (DIY)
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
herts leaking roof
Gable roofs are more expensive because they are more labor intensive to build (more time, more cuts, more angles) than a flat roof.
Gable roofs are also more expensive to repair because most (that have sharp pitches) require scaffolding and cannot be “walked” like most common homes. However,
gable roofs make a house more attractive and definitely add to curb appeal and re-sale value.
herts roof installation
Flat roofs are easier and less expensive to build initially, but are much more prone to leaking. Just order some trusses and build with a pitched roof, will be much happier in the long run.
Check out this question on a leaking flat roof.
herts asphalt roofing
Longhaired libertarian is right I just wanted to put my 2 cents in. You can walk a pitched roof, most carpenters can walk an 8/12 pitch without support. Just one word of advice, don’t go too steep on your roof because the steeper your roof the more wasted space you have. Not to mention the steeper the roof the more the carpenters will charge.
You want to pick a pitch that is proportionate with the width of your house. Start at a 6/12 pitch and go up from there until you find one that looks good
herts flat roof repair
Any decent roofer will tell you that a flat roof is harder and more costly to maintain than a pitched gable roof.
herts epdm rubber roofing
No and No but, your going to have maintenance problems guaranteed for sure, they all do. I would have urethane spread on or a rubber roof, maybe even steel.
herts roof flashing
Gable roofs are certainly more versatile. (eg easier to clear-span large rooms, especially when using truss-systems; attic storage space for “free”, possibility of adding dormers to recapture some living space, etc)
Depending on what part of the world you are in, you have to think about snow load and such, all of which must be calculated into the ceiling joists dimensions.
herts flat roof design
Flat Roofs are usually considered a “Nightmare” by any decent Carpenter.
Flat Roofs usually come about from either a design standpoint, such as an architect. They also are a favorite of the *cheapest way to go group”.
Problems start with trying to get a decent amount of insulation up above the ceiling because you not only need a thick amount of insulation but you also need some room for air to flow through the entire cavity. This means you really need to frame it with 2″x10″ or larger Roof Rafters.
Then you have the problem of snow loads on a flat roof. Snow will set on a flat roof forever and a day as it melts. You would need either a rubber roof *epdm or tpo.
In short – You are asking for all kind of problems down the road. Yes, It can be done and it is done, but I believe it is a big mistake.
I don’t know everything, but I’ve been a carpenter for 30 years, the last 20 as a General Contractor (Union). We do commercial/Residential projects. Please consider this and talk to other carpenters before you start to do a flat roof.