Flat roof failed, worth having it pitched?

Lungboy

My mum's house has a rear extension with a flat roof. The roof is a minimum of 32 years old, and during the bad weather this weekend it started leaking. A builder took a look today and the felt has had it, plus the joists (rafters?) are soaked and probably need to be replaced. The builder suggested having the roof replaced with a low angle (12 degree) pitched roof, which sounds like a pretty good idea. Does anyone have experience with these low angle roofs? Apparently it's a special type of tile or something.

leveller2911

If the joists /decking etc on the flat roof are rotten I would have them replaced and have a fibreglass roof done. If done correctly they will outlast felt by a long want and they look more aesthetically pleasing as they can be tinted to look like a lead roof.

A pitched roof will cost a lot more money and may need planning permission so it can open a can of worms. If you go for a 12 degree pitch which is very shallow ,too shallow I would have thought. Just my opinion but going for very shallow pitch on a roof is inviting trouble years down the line.I've seen some interlocking tiles go down as far as 10 degree pitch but I can't see the point, why would anyone fit a pitch roof thats marginally steeper than a flat roof.

If the roof pitch is limited in height by a window then just have a fibreglass flat roof.

Lungboy

The difference between the flat roof with new timber and felt and having it redone as pitched was only a few hundred pounds. Planning is something I was worried about, will look into that. I've not heard of fibreglass roofs before.

DRP

Lungboy wrote: »

The difference between the flat roof with new timber and felt and having it redone as pitched was only a few hundred pounds. Planning is something I was worried about, will look into that. I've not heard of fibreglass roofs before.

I'm currently staying at my in-laws who have a lovely 5 year old extension with a fibreglass flat roof.

The only problem is it leaks. Especially given the current windy wet weather.

The morale of the tale is make sure you get a good builder and/or stick to traditional (pitched) designs.

leveller2911

DRP wrote: »

The only problem is it leaks. Especially given the current windy wet weather.

The morale of the tale is make sure you get a good builder and/or stick to traditional (pitched) designs.

The problem with fibreglass has been that everyone and his brother went on a 1 day coarse and suddenly they are fibreglass roofing experts.

As you say make sure you get the right man to to the job.

Furts

Carefully identify the type of roof tile fitted to your existing roof because you probably want something that appears similar. For example, concrete roof tiles are commonplace outside slate areas like Wales. But large format interlocking tiles can go down to shallow pitches, whereas the smaller concrete tiles cannot.

Gloomendoom

When I had a problem with a roof of similar vintage, I replaced the felt with corrugated iron. As long as you use single sheets, it will tolerate a much lower angle than tile.

rufusraintight

The best solution is the one that fits your budget, just make sure you do your research when it comes to picking a contractor.

The previous poster is right, lots of people out there think they are a fibreglass roofing Yoda's just because they do a day course. If you do go down the fibreglass route check the web for buyers guides and (its easy to say but...) choose an experienced contractor.

Ebe_Scrooge

Rufus, how do people go about choosing an experienced contractor ? Could your own website maybe point people in the right direction ?;)

DigForVictory

If you have the option of getting a pitched roof sorted, even if it does involve planning, I think you'll improve the house value as fussy so-&-sos like me will consider the property rather than cross it off decisively & more possible buyers can only be a good thing.

You may also get cheaper house insurance.

27col

If the existing roof covering has been there for 32 years then it has done remarkably well.
Unless it has been leaking for a long time then the rafters will not have rotted, they will just be a bit wet and would dry out, once the source of water had been eliminated. Obviously, if the leak has been there a long time then the wood might have some rot. Only a close inspection will tell.
However, if the leak had been there a long time then it would have been apparent a long time ago.
If it were mine I would get it re-felted and carry on with it for the next 32 years.