If you have a flat roof on your house and would like to convert it, you’re not alone. Pitched roofs are more popular than ever before. How much does the flat roof to pitched roof conversion cost? What does converting a flat roof to a pitched roof entail? Is it worth it?
These are some of the questions we hope to address in this article. We will also be looking at the pros and cons of converting your flat roof to a pitched one, including costs involved and whether or not you need planning permission.
Flat Roof To Pitched Roof Conversion Cost
Converting a flat roof to a pitched roof can be done on any size home at a reasonable cost. You can expect to pay between £3,000 and £4,500 to convert a flat roof to a pitched roof. You can typically find this done with concrete tile costing around £0.75 per tile, clay tiles at £1 per tile, and slate tiles at about £1–£12 per tile.
As you purchase larger tiles the average per tile cost is likely to go down, so it’s best to calculate your roof size first.
The table below outlines the approximate cost based on various scenarios. Use this as a guide to estimate the amount you can expect to pay depending on your individual requirement.
| ROOF TYPE | AVG. COST | DURATION |
| Small Roof With An Open Gable | £3,000-£5,000 | 3-5 days |
| Roof With A Box Gable | £4,000-£6,000 | 4-7 days |
| Large Roof With Gable & Scaffolding | £5,000-£7,000 | 6-10 days |
Labour cost for roof conversion
Making changes to a roof is a major structural change, so you consider having your designs drawn up by a qualified architect or structural engineer. This would cost approximately £150 to £300 a day.
Both professionals will usually take around 1 to 2 weeks to assess, plan and design plans that comply with building regulations. This would again depend on the complexity of the job.
What does converting a flat roof to a pitched roof entail?
Before you convert your flat roof to a pitched roof, explore the various options available, and if possible work with a professional contractor. You could install a shallow pitched roof over a flat roof, build a completely new floor and put a pitched roof above it or install a trussed roof.
The following steps are involved when converting a flat roof to a pitched roof:
- The first step is to remove the flat roof by taking off the covering and tiling including the roof battens. After which the contractor will assess the condition of the roof structure prior to starting any conversion process.
- They will then ensure that the joist spacing is checked to ensure that it can accommodate a pitched roof installation. If they can proceed, they will place the trusses over every second joist and connect it to the wall structure.
- Thereafter, the gable ends will be measured to identify the plywood required to cover them. It will then be laid out to cover the entire roofing structure and then hammered onto the trusses to the desired pitch and shape.
- Tarpaper will be used to waterproof the roof. Nails and other fasteners will be used to install the tiles and ridge boards.
- Finally, the gable ends along with the siding materials and roof coverings will be secured over the plywood.
Flat roof vs pitched roof
A flat roof is a type of roof which is level or almost level with little or no pitch. It’s a way to add an extra room or house extension without the cost of installing a pitched roof. However, flat roofs aren’t designed for structural support and it can be more costly to maintain and repair.
Although this type of construction can be repaired if needed during its useful life span (typically 15 to 20 years), it’s typically not recommended over long periods because it doesn’t offer any weather protection from rain or snow build up that could cause leaks.
A pitched roof on the other hand are roofs that are sloped by more than 12.5 degrees or more. This design creates greater strength than a flat one by distributing weight evenly over several feet instead of concentrating all load onto one small area like a single rafter on a flat surface would do.
There are a few advantages to installing a pitched roof. First, it’s more expensive and time consuming to install than a flat roof, but that extra cost will be worth it in the long run.
The durability of a pitched roof provides more protection against weather damage and other issues that can occur over time. It also helps retain heat better than a flat one does, which means you’ll use less energy during winter months for heating or cooling purposes.
Finally, with its sloped shape and steeper pitch angle, your house will have an overall better aesthetic look when compared with those with flat roofs—meaning you’ll get more bang for your buck!
Cost affecting factors of converting a flat roof to a pitched roof
There are a number of factors that will have an impact on the total cost of converting your flat roof to a pitched roof.
Roof conversion cost for materials
The most obvious cost is the actual material used for work. This includes things like felt and underlay, which are needed to protect the structure from leaks and drafts.
As well as this, you’ll need timber or other materials to cover the walls where they meet with your new tiled roof, as well as tiles themselves if you go down this route.
The cost of these depends on how much of each material you need and how high quality it is; so take into account whether this is worth spending money on or not!
Roof conversion cost for labour
A large part of any conversion job will be paying workers who carry out all kinds of jobs during construction – such as laying slates or fixing guttering – so make sure they’re paid fairly.
These costs vary according to what kind of work needs doing – but generally speaking it’s always better value than hiring machinery instead.
Removing existing roof
Depending on the complexity of the current flat roof that is in place, the cost incurred to remove it will be added to your quotation too. It’s important to spend some time with this task especially if your current roof is damaged. If there are any significant damages, the roof conversion cost will need to account for the repairs as well before additional works can begin.
Ease of access
You will need to consider how easy it is for the contractor to reach the structure. If they are difficult to access, scaffolding hire may be required which will be an additional cost.
Condition of the gutter
During the roof conversion process, the contractor will also assess the condition of your gutters. They are likely to just require cleaning that costs around £20 to £25. If however, it requires replacement, this cost will need to be added to the quotation too which would be approximately £30 per metre.
Can I convert my flat roof to a pitched roof?
It depends on the complexity of your roof. You will need planning permission, and you will also need to get a building surveyor to assess the condition of your roof, and a structural engineer to assess the strength of your roof.
Types of pitched roof
Trussed roof
A trussed roof is one where the rafters, joists and other supporting elements are left exposed. This option can be used to convert any flat roof into a pitched one, but it is more expensive than installing other types of roofs.
Shallow pitched roofs
If you have an existing shallow-pitched (less than 24 degrees) roof, then you could add additional support beams by installing them on top of your existing structure or adding them in between the existing rafters and joists.
Hip roofs
A hip roof is similar to an inverted pyramid shape with multiple sides and eaves that extend out from each corner of the building’s walls at least 1 foot beyond its base line. They’re made up of three horizontal sections — two sides known as hips plus a central ridge line running down the middle — which creates two triangular surfaces (or “hips”) that add extra strength to your home’s structure as well as provide protection against rainwater leaks if they do occur within those areas due to improper installation or weather damage over time.
Reasons to convert a flat roof to a pitched roof
You may want to convert your flat roof to a pitched roof for a number of reasons. The main advantage is that it allows you to fit loft conversions, which can add significant extra space to your home.
A pitched roof also has a longer lifespan and is less prone to leaks than a flat one. It also offers better ventilation and will withstand external weather conditions better than its flatter counterpart.
Let’s look at the benefits in more detail
Benefits of having a pitched roof
There are a number of benefits to having a pitched roof. For instance, it will:
- Reduce repair costs by keeping the roof in good condition for longer.
- Reduce the risk of leaks and water damage.
- Improve ventilation, which helps reduce surface condensation on the roof and keeps your home cooler in summer months. This is especially helpful if you’re living in an area that gets very hot or humid during certain times of year–you’ll be able to spend more time at home without feeling uncomfortable as a result!
- Make your home look more aesthetically appealing than if you had chosen not to have one installed (or hadn’t changed what was already there).
Will converting a flat roof to a pitched roof add value to my home?
Converting a flat roof to a pitched roof can add value to your home. A sloped roof is more attractive, which means it will get you more money when you sell your home. Additionally, a sloped roof provides more usable space in the attic of your home and increases the amount of light that enters through the windows.
This improves the appearance of any room with an attic entrance such as an upstairs bedroom or bathroom.
Converting a flat roof to a pitched roof may also make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your house because they’ll be able to see how much space is available at first glance instead of having only opening trusses from above if there was no sloping on top beforehand.
Do I need planning permission to convert my flat roof to a pitched roof?
Yes, you need planning permission to convert your flat roof to a pitched roof. You will also need planning permission for larger projects such as new extensions or adding dormer windows.
However, the individual requirements may vary depending on the local council.
Final thoughts
We hope that this guide has helped you to decide if converting a flat roof to a pitched roof is right for you. If so, then it’s worth considering hiring a professional contractor who will be able to provide an accurate quote and work to high standards. The key thing is that you do your research before making any decisions!
If you would like any help with converting your flat roof to a pitched roof then please take a look at our flat roofing and pitched roofing service pages. From here you can request a free quote and consultation with our team at Premier Roofing Solutions.
