Flat roof extension can provide an easy, cheaper solution that is perfect for small roof extensions. Constructing is a flat roof is easier than other kinds of roofs and has a minimal visual impression that helps you save money rather than purchasing more expensive tiles for your roof. When you wish to do this project yourself or get a professional check out Flat Roofs Toronto to find out everything there is to know about flat roofs.
What Conditions are Ideal Flat Roofs?
A flat roof is also good when extending a bulky pitched roof that can overshadow or prevent natural light from entering the windows. Another added benefit is with a flat roof, the space can be turned into a balcony.
Overtime flat roofs have obtained a negative reputation for generating problems. However, if flat roofs are not designed and built properly, they may be predisposed to leaking and heat decks in addition to several impairments suck as drooping decks, ponding water, and exponential plant growth. For this reason, home insurance companies tend to be cautious of homes built with large portions of flat roof.
Although they may have received a bad reputation flat roof myths can be dismissed by researching the three phases of flat roof extensions which are the structure, insulation, and coverings.
Structure of Flat Roof Extensions
Flat roofs extensions are built exactly like timber floors, they are made up of a sequence of posts fitted with a timber deck on top. The measurements have to be precise as building control requests the buildings engineer to evaluate whether the building is strong enough to handle loading posts and withstand wind uplift.
The design must support roof windows and the joists that need to be cut, shaved or strengthened. Additional loadings also need to be considered especially if they will be heavy movement in the area.
Flat roof beams are made from the approved C16 or C24 treated softwood or rarely from fabricated I-joists or Posi-joists. The joints are usually placed 400mm or 600mm centers apart and will most often traverse the smallest area between walls.
If the distance is more than 2.5 m supplemental structure will be added between the joists to keep them from twisting. Joists usually receive support from steel joist hangers, timber wall plates, and lintels above openings.
How to Get the Fall Right on a Flat Roof Extension
The most important thing to factor into the design of a roof extension is creating a proper angle of fall to disband rainwater. If this step is not done correctly water will collect in puddles inducing premature degeneration. Building Regulations suggest a minimum slop of 1:40.
Conventional systems place wedge-shaped narrow bands of timber referred to as firrings on the top of the horizontal joints. To ensure consistency get your timber pre-cut to match the dimensions.
What Other Ways Can I Achieve a Slope?
There are several other ways to accomplish the right slope. The easiest method would be to arrange the joist on the required slop the first time. However, your ceilings will also be at an angle and can make the room feel like a separate room connected to the house rather than being a part of the house.
