Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 15, 1999 04:08am | #1

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   Why do you have to remove the flat roof? I lived in Albuquerque, the flat roof capital of the world, for a few years. "Pitching" the roof is a common upgrade, more expensive than a tar and gravel job, but not as prone to failure. Pretty simple. Trusses are placed on the parapits, decked, and shingled and vents are extended. Alternatively, a pitched roof is stick framed. No tear off, the old roofing surface is simply abandoned. Key point is a bearing surface(s) for the trusses and/or stick framed roof. Most of the time the parapit is cut down to provide an esthetic result.

2. 
   Steve_Kasower | May 15, 1999 07:28am | #2

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   Bill,
   I would certainly not repair the flat roof unless the architectural style of the building really depends on it.
   If you can replace the flat roof, then I agree with Steve Hansen that you do not need to remove the old, flat roof. I just did the same thing on an old 1930s flat top garage roof that was rotted in spots. I cut out the rotted sections but left the rest in place. Worked great and is the envy of the flat topped (leaky rotted) garage owners in the neighborhood. Good luck.

1. 
   Wayne_Muck | May 20, 1999 08:48am | #3

   *Bill,We just did a flat roof retro today. Didn't have a parapet wall to work off of, but the existing rafters/ceiling joists ran perpidicular to the long span. We cut the roof open directly over the outside walls(one story, exterior walls, hence bearing) built a stub wall tall enough to get the plate above the existing roof and trussed the whole thing. Got the trusses up, sheathed and felt on today, so it's dryed in. The roofer is coming tomorrow. Two days and it's a done deal. We spent about seven man hours last week(two guys, 3 1/2 hrs.) checking the structure, figuring the span and calculating the material list.In short, we did our home work, got the trusses ordered, material ordered and played the weather. No rain predicted until tomorrow night. Worked out well.Wayne

1. 
   Bill_Beaty | May 22, 1999 04:53am | #4

   *Thanks much for the response. Curious approximately you think it would cost to remove the roof (per sq. ft., I guess) ---- also same question to put on a standard replacement roof.Again, thanks much

3. 
   Bill_Beaty | May 22, 1999 04:53am | #5

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   I have purchased an older home (20 years) with a flat roof. I am considering removing it and replacing with a standard roof. How extensive and expensive will this be?