Should I Convert My Flat Roof to a Pitched Roof?

Most people that are interested in converting their flat roof to a pitched roof are simply tired of dealing with leaks, repairs and other issues. Tar and gravel, and other asphalt based roofing, were the most popular roofing material for flat roofs until recently. Even today, there are roofing companies that recommend installing asphalt (aka Built Up Roof). These types of roofs dry and crack and lead to headaches even before the material warranty period ends. Additionally, any poorly installed flat roofing system requires constant upkeep and repair. As a consequence, many people look into converting their low sloped roof to a pitched roof, commonly called a Roof Conversion.

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For those of you who are in this frustrating position, let's take a look at all of your options, as well as the pros and cons of a conversion. Roofing manufacturers have introduced reliable flat roof membranes, such as TPO and EPDM, which have grown in both credibility and popularity over the last decade. While it may seem that shingles will solve all of your problems, the fact is that TPO and EPDM membranes can be just as water tight as a pitched roof.

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It is important to find a roofing contractor that can identify the right kind of membrane and be able to install it properly. This is important, as the dependability of a roof is determined by the quality of material and the skill level with which it was installed. If you can find a qualified contractor to install a dependable membrane on your home or business, it can cost 3 to 4 times less than a roof conversion. White roofing membranes can also be extremely energy efficient, resulting in energy savings over time.

If you are considering converting your roof in order to raise the value of your home, keep in mind that the value of your home will only increase about half of the cost of the conversion. As a result, if you are considering selling your home within the next 7-10 years, converting your roof may not be worth the required time and money.

However, there are some viable reasons to convert to a pitched roof. Probably the best reason I have come across is a situation I ran into a few days ago. The owner was concerned that his flat roof's support system was not structurally sound. He could hear the rafters creaking under the weight of recent snowfall. That creaking is usually the result of fasteners coming apart a little bit at a time. Nails and screws will creak as the structures wood members. If the fasteners back out, or if wood dries and shrinks, it could cause a dangerous and destructive situation.

A pitched roof conversion, done properly, will distribute weight to the bearing walls of the structure. In the previous case, a conversion would help his structurally unsound roof to become dependable long term.

Some other pros to converting your flat roof to pitched include:
You simply like the look of shingles. If money isn't a concern, the perceived aesthetic value of a pitched system can be enough of a reason in and of itself. A roof conversion results in easier and more efficient insulation. It is more economical to insulate a pitched roof at R40 than it is to try and insulate a flat roof with even an R19. (Insulating a flat cavity usually requires removing sheet rock or sheeting.) You can also insulate above the roof deck and below the waterproofing system with rigid insulation, but once again this is fairly expensive. Vapor drive, which causes moisture to form on the underside of a roof system, won't occur with a pitched roof as easily because you can create an efficient pattern of air flow. (If the humidity in the home is equal to the humidity outside, vapor drive will not be an issue.) You may be able to create more storage space or even an added room in the cavity between the existing flat and newly pitched roof. Pitched roofs have about a 40% longer life than flat roofs. They last 25-50 years, while a flat roof membrane will last about 15-20 years. Flat roofs are about 10-20% more expensive to install than a pitched roof (after the conversion). This is because the membrane is more expensive to manufacture, as well as the need for more specialized labor.

In the end, it is really just up to you and your individual situation to decide whether a roof conversion is right for you and your home.

Should I Convert My Flat Roof to a Pitched Roof?

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Hernia Surgery Recovery - 5 Things You Should Know

The idea of hernia surgery can be a little bit daunting. Not only are you dealing with physical pain, but the prospect of surgery and then the ensuing recovery period as well. Most importantly, you need to prepare for the surgery and then make sure you take care of yourself properly during the healing process afterward.

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Here are 5 things you should know about hernias and hernia surgery recovery.

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1. A hernia is a protrusion of tissue or other body parts through a membrane:

The term hernia is certainly not a glamorous one. And, if you or someone you care about has a hernia, you know how painful they can be. A hernia consists of tissue, an organ or other bodily structure protruding through a membrane or muscle wall that has become weakened or torn.

2. Hernia surgery involves reinforcing the membrane:

Hernia surgery consists of pushing the tissue, organ or other bodily structure back through the herniated opening and then reinforcing that membrane using surgical techniques. Sometimes, the membrane is reinforced using an artificial mesh, for example.

3. What to expect immediately after surgery:

After surgery, you can expect to be able to return to work in 1-2 weeks in most cases. This waiting period may be sooner if your doctor has used certain types of mesh to strengthen the herniated membrane.

4. Common experience after surgery:

For the longer term, your doctor may ask you to avoid doing any heavy lifting or otherwise putting excess strain on the previously herniated area of your body.

5. Get in the right frame of mind for recovery:

Many people who have had hernia surgery want to go out immediately and start doing the activities they did before without any restrictions or limitations. This is not wise. Rather, listen to your doctor about how long you should wait before engaging in these activities.

After your surgery, you will benefit from getting yourself into the right frame of mind. Doctors and natural healers alike see a strong connection between positive attitude, right practice and traditional medical techniques when trying to speed up the recovery process. By taking the proper steps, the pain and inconvenience during your recovery process can be minimized.

Hernia Surgery Recovery - 5 Things You Should Know

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