Here a question:
WE have flate roof’s on this house we purchased and we are getting all of them angled with a pitch… using rubber to cover them…. that way the water and snow are apt to run down into the gutters…
My question: How does this second roof vent? We are not removing the first roof… They are almost complete with this job and I did ask the question, but I don’t feel confident with the result… words, words, words, My concern is future maintenance.. if those things don’t breathe I know I will have problems, and to get to it will be a major cost to me…
Two of the flate roofs are small and we are replacing them with copper… Copper to $$$ to do the other two roofs…
Replies
I'm not sure what the solution is here, but I would start by putting a few large (12" or more) holes in the first roof.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
I may be wrong, but I don't know that flat roofs have to "breathe"--ventilation works best where there is convection and with very little slope, there will be very little convection. I would foam the new roof full between the new joists, assuming I could afford it. The foam will take care of vapor condensation problems which is your reason for ventilation in the first place.
I understand that the new roof is being laid on new joists atop the extg roof, rather than right on the old roof, right? If the latter, then I don't foresee a problem; if the former then make provision to have venting along all eaves. Strapping in and of itself will give cross-ventilation, for example. Avoid Rich's suggestion about cutting a hole in the old roof - this will introduce air from the old to the new (unless, of course, the old roof loses its vents in the process. That we'll have to talk about some more).
If you're paying for copper roofing, go ahead and get every Q answered to your satisfaction. Get a warranty from the roofer - 10 yrs min. And hold back 10% for 30 days until you are satisfied with his solution.
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
There are new joists on top of old roof and also a sky light is being install, which was in the old roof, but it has to be move upward due to different height..
I spoke with the roofer today and he was a bit befuddeled... He's an honest man, so I await to get his feedback. He said he would get back to me on it... It was so hot today, I felt bad just bothering him during the heat... He is employed by my contractor, so I should be covered.... The contractor is known to always stand behind his work...
Thanks for your input... I always need answers to my questions involving my projects, even if someone else is responsible for the outcome. I figure the more we know now the less agrivation later.
The answer - it depends...Theoreticly, if the existing home showed no signs that it was expoeriencing problems from condensation in the roof structure, you could assume that it was designed and built to avoid the problem.If that was true, as it should be, then all you had to do was avoid creating new penetrations that wouyld allow moisture laden interior air to gain access to the new attic space.but you mention the skylight...so that raises questions - like how was the shaft sealed.In short - if heat and moisture doesn't get into the attic, it doesn't need to be vented out
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