Why Change Your Roof’s Pitch And What It Entails?

changing roof pitchAccording to Blue Chip Roofing, if you have contemplated changing the ceiling inside your home to a vaulted setup or to change the roofing from a ranch style to a bungalow or cottage look, then you will have one hurdle to overcome – the pitch of your roof.

A roof’s pitch is the steepness, slant, or gradient of its slope. The ridges, walls, and even the roofing rafters influence the pitch. The same thing applies when you are thinking of installing an attic; meaning the space will be a factor to consider.

A lot goes into changing the pitch of your roof; there is more to it than replacing the roofing materials. You, therefore, should avoid viewing this as a standard roof replacement project. Installing a new roof entails ripping apart of the old shingles and any damaged parts, such as the flashing, decking, or gutters, to make room for new ones.

In the case of changing the roof’s pitch, you will have to make structural alterations that will entail replacing the eaves, rafters, ridges, and props of the roof as well as making changes to the internal walls.

So, why would the changing the pitch of your roof require major structural changes and roof replacement? Below are the reasons for this:

1. Serious Problems

If you find the underlying structure of your roof has significant rot, or it has a serious slumping issue, then a replacement is the best answer. A slumping or sagging roof means that there are problems with the decking of the roof as well as the foundational elements. A well-maintained home or building will rarely have such problems.

If you are planning to restore that has sat vacant for a long while and receive little to no maintenance, then you will have to be ready to dig deeper into your pockets since you are likely to encounter such issues.

2. New Addition To The House

The cost of a new roofing structure is almost the same as adding an extension to your home. That is why it also is something you cannot overlook if you are planning to expand your house.

You may be thinking of adding a story or half story to your house. If so, then replacing the roof is inevitable. Such changes will need you to consult your structural engineer so that you can figure out how to alter the roof’s pitch. The changes will give your home’s roof a new shape that transforms the overall looks.

3. Head-Room

You may not have any qualms with the layout of the house or want to add another story to the building. You, perhaps, might be thinking of installing a vaulted ceiling or raising it a bit higher. Whatever the case, you will make structural changes that will accommodate the renovations you want.

Some of the alterations may be done without changing the existing roofing structure; however, you cannot be confident about this unless you consult with your roofing contractor or structural engineer.

Considerations For Changing Your Roof’s Pitch

Making the changes to the roof’s pitch will impact different aspects of the roof, from how it looks and the way it handles water to being able to withstand winds, among other things. Moreover, you should appreciate the fact that you are not talking about a cheap undertaking. It is a project that entails major renovations that will reshape how your house looks.

Given the costs involved, most builders and roofing experts will advise you to consider saving up for a new home instead of renovating the roof and having to alter its pitch. That is because such an undertaking will involve tearing down and restructuring the roof’s framing. It is a project that will affect other essential elements in the structural functions of the house, including the electrical systems, insulation, and plumbing. Furthermore, you will have to replace what was damaged or lost in the process.

It is prudent to point out, though, that such a project may be the only answer to some of the roofing problems some homes face. Issues such as debris being trapped, water pooling, and structural rot are some of the problems that will be addressed when changing the pitch of the roof. And it also will be necessary when thinking of creating more space in your attic.

All in all, you should consult a professional roofer or home renovation contractor to figure out which is the best option.