Flat roofs are prone to leaks, ponding, water damage, and mold. Changing a flat roof’s pitch is a huge undertaking, but it comes with many benefits, including reduced maintenance, added curb appeal, resolved structural issues, and increased storage and living spaces. Homeowners looking to convert their flat roof into a pitched roof should be prepared to spend between $15,000 to $56,670, or a national average of $35,835, for the conversion.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost By Location
- FAQ
Average Flat Roof to Pitched Roof Conversion Costs
| National Average Cost | $35,835 |
| Typical Price Range | $15,000 – $56,670 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $8,645 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $120,000 |
Most flat roof conversions fall into the $15,000 to $56,670 range, but many factors can impact your budget and overall costs. Raising the roof of a small area, such as a garage, could cost as low as $8,645. However, if your roof covers a large area, has a complicated shape, or you opt for expensive finishing materials, a complete flat roof conversion can set you back as much as $120,000.
Flat Roof to Pitched Roof Conversion Cost Estimator By Size
Many factors go into raising your roof. It is impossible to estimate an exact dollar amount per square foot. Factors like your home’s size, desired roof style, materials, location, and structural work affect the overall cost of converting your flat roof to a pitched roof.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The average cost of total flat roof replacement is $9,000. While weighing your options, keep in mind that a flat roof to pitched roof conversion includes a full roof replacement.
Building Permits
Flat roof conversions require building permits in many areas. Most locations require a permit to modify a roofline, plumbing, or wiring. The residential permit department in your area will have more information. On average, you can expect to spend between $400 to $1,735 on building permits for your conversion.
Removal and Reinforcement
Raising your roofline requires the removal of your existing roofing materials, including roof deck coverings, roof membranes, flashing, and structural components. Typical removal and disposal costs average $30 to $50 per hour.
During the removal process, professional roofers will assess your home and reinforce the structure to support your new pitched roof. On average, roof removal and reinforcement costs combined total $7,400.
Frame Type
Frame type is one of the major factors affecting the cost of your residential roof conversion. Your roof’s frame impacts labor requirements and roof structure. Trussed roofs are the most popular choice. Roofing contractors raise prefabricated trusses, costing between $7 to $10 per square foot, to create the frame of your sloped roof.
Higher-end stick frames use rafters and joists in place of trusses. Structural engineers fabricate stick frames on-site and customize them to your home. Before the roofers can raise the rafters and joists onto your new roof, they must completely disassemble them. Stick roofs can cost as much as $15 per square foot.
HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Modifications
Many homes have pipers, wiring, or ductwork running above the ceiling. Depending on your home, these will need to be removed, rerouted, or reinstalled. Licensed specialists like plumbers and electricians will assess and complete your home improvement alterations. You can expect to spend between $50 to $150 per hour, per specialist, for an average of $4,200 for the complete job.
Chimney Alterations
In the roofing world, chimneys are an obstruction. If your flat roof has a chimney, expect to spend between $400 to $4,350 to remove or alter it to accommodate your new roof’s slope. It is important to note that some roofing companies do not advise modifying the slope of a roof containing a chimney.
Roofing Materials
The last step is refinishing your newly sloped roof, or installing new roofing materials. The type of tiles, shingles, metal, or panels you choose affect your roof’s longevity, appearance, and roof costs. On average, a refinishing project costs $7,900 to $14,650, for an average cost of $11,275.
Here are some typical roofing materials and their average costs. Note that these costs will vary depending on your location and other factors.
Labor Cost to Convert a Flat Roof to a Pitched Roof
The total cost of your flat roof conversion combines the cost of materials and labor. Typically, labor accounts for 10% to 20% of your overall costs and ranges from $1.50 to $3 per square foot. However, these rates depend on your location, the experience of the roofer, and the complexity of your roofing project.
Related Services
Converting your flat roof to a pitched roof is an enormous job requiring a whole new roofing system and materials. While you are having your new roof installed, consider these related services and upgrades.
Gutter Installation
A new roof usually means a whole new drainage system to go with it, and proper drainage is essential for a healthy roof. While you are having your roof converted, consider installing a new gutter system. They cost an average of $1,275 and will increase the lifespan of your new roof and foundation.
Chimney Installation
Chimneys provide energy-efficient warmth while reducing utility costs. Raising your roof is the perfect time to install a chimney. Expect to spend between $3,250 to $9,500 on chimney installation.
Skylight Installation
Skylights reduce energy costs and increase natural light, making a great addition to any home. Typical skylight installation costs range from $1,185 to $3,170.
Dormer Installation
Installing dormer windows during your roof conversion can provide natural light to your new attic or loft area. These vertical roof projections work with all roofing materials and increase ventilation and usable space. Dormers typically cost between $75 to $160 per square foot.
Cost of Flat Roof Repair By Location
Roof conversion installation costs vary widely based on the cost of living and location. Labor and materials cost significantly more in urban areas. Additionally, mild climates with longer roofing seasons have lower overall prices compared to regions with heavy snow and ice where the roofing season is shorter.
There is no way to know exactly what your flat roof installation and conversion will cost without receiving free quotes from professional contractors in your area to compare.
FAQ
Raising a shallow-pitched roof can take four to six weeks, depending on the size of the roof and its complexity. Professional roofers completely deconstruct the existing flat roof before beginning the reconstruction process. Complex roofs can even take as long as a month or more to complete.
Flat roofs require routine maintenance, including complete professional resealing every two to four years. There are many reasons homeowners may want to convert their flat roof to a pitched roof.
• Improved drainage: Naturally, the steeper angles of pitched roofs allow for improved drainage and water runoff.
• Extra space: Raising the height of your roof can add a room or storage space.
• Increased ceiling height: If your home doesn’t need extra storage space, raising your roof can increase your ceiling height, making your home feel larger.
• Decreased moisture: Pitched roofs have a wind stream that reduces fume drive, the phenomenon responsible for moisture damage and mold in flat roofs. The decreased moisture in your roof increases its overall structural stability.
• Longer lifespan: Flat roofs last 15 to 20 years while pitched roofs last between 25 to 50 years.
No, raising a roof is dangerous and requires trained professionals and building permits. The complex process requires the combined expertise of a structural engineer, roofing contractor, and electrician at the very least.
Find a Roofing Contractor Near You
Converting a flat roof to a pitched roof is an expensive and time-consuming process. However, there are many upsides, including increased durability, drainage, and insulation. You can expect to spend between $15,000 to $56,670, or a national average of $35,835 to raise your flat roof.
If you are ready to increase your home’s usable space and reduce your roof maintenance, RoofGnome connects you to the best roofing contractors in your area to learn more about your options.
Main Image Credit: Public Domain Pictures
