Flat roofing is a reliable system that offers a myriad of advantages for commercial and residential buildings alike. Adding trafficable surfaces and robust waterproofing properties as well as an often more streamlined and affordable installation, flat roofing systems are often the best choice for many types of building.

However, there are instances where a flat roof system has failed or degraded and must be replaced. In those instances, it may be better to convert the system into a pitched one – which offer longer lifespans, increased water drainage and often better thermal and security benefits. A flat to pitched conversion also transforms the aesthetics of a building – so it’s perfect for renovation projects such as transforming disused commercial structures into residential ones.

Why convert from flat to pitched?

The benefits of converting from flat to pitched are numerous, and largely come down to savings-over-time that are gained as a result of a pitched roofs longer lifespan. Flat roofing remains perfect for industrial and commercial buildings, but residential property still largely favours pitched applications.

Benefits on conversion include:

• Increased overall durability and lifespan: pitched roofs often offer lifespans of 50+ years compared to flat roofing (25+) Converting a failing flat roof into a pitched system is the ideal way to strengthen the building’s structure. 
• Decreased maintenance requirements: the nature of a pitch on a roof means less work is required to maintain them – whereas flat roofing may require spot repairs, sweeping and regular inspections to avoid water ingress. This also leads to a decreased insurance cost.
• Increased energy efficiency and reduced costs: while flat roofs are more eco-friendly than ever, pitched systems increase the ventilation and insulation levels within the building to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. The whole lifecycle costs across 60 years for a pitched conversion could be up to 60% lower than a flat system.
• Decreased environmental impact: if a system such as the BMI AeroDek solution is chosen, you can reduce the overall environmental impact of your pitched roof materials in addition to its increased energy efficiency
• Increased property value: a flat to pitched conversion can increase a property’s value by 10% immediately upon completion.
• Offers usable space in a loft for storage or additional living space which in turn increases property value.

Key consideration: when choosing a system to replace flat roofing, remember that a system which can be fitted over existing roofing means you eliminate the need to remove the previous roof and can instead install a pitched system directly on top of it – saving time and money. 

How to convert from flat to pitched using AeroDek

A conversion requires a pitched system that is easy to work with, relatively lightweight, durable and more sustainable than traditional systems. AeroDek is a large format roof tile that permits fast installation – with a traditional 65m2 roof requiring just 139 AeroDek tiles compared to 631 concrete ones, 871 man-made slate tiles or 3,900 plain tiles!

Considering a roof conversion project is often done to fix damage or to renovate a building and increase its aesthetic value, the low level of maintenance required by an Aerodek system is appealing – as are the safety benefits for installers, who don’t need to worry about cutting the tiles and can reduce the trips up and down the ladders.  

The conversion process varies for each project – but if you choose BMI AeroDek you can benefit from our expertise and consultative approach as we help you design a more effective system that rejuvenates a flat roof and provides efficiency, durability and ROI. 

Stage 1: consultation and site survey

Carry out a full survey of the roof in question to ascertain its current condition, the demands of the project, the right materials and products for drainage and daylighting etc. BMI can help provide all of this information, and can also offer a full survey that assesses the roof falls, drainage, rooflight replacement, core samples and thermographic imagery. 

The more you can understand going into the conversion, the better the finished result will be. 

Stage 2: Design and specification

BMI can aid with the design of the system through our design service – which includes specifications, drawings and calculations. We’ll produce project-specific drawings, calculations and even condensation risk analysis to help ensure the roof is as durable and long-lasting as possible. 

It’s important to note that if you want to specify a flat to pitched conversion, the sooner you get in touch with us, the better we can help aid your design and deliver a full specification.

Stage 3: Installation

We’d recommend our approved specialist contractors to carry out the installation, which helps guarantee a certain quality standard. The installation will include a pre-commencement briefing and a full overview of the requirements of the roof.

Stage 4: Support and project modelling

Our site technicians will attend the conversion site regularly to monitor its progress and ensure that it meets our technical standards. We issue detailed site reports throughout the project to ensure it meets our criteria and is delivered to your approval.

Stage 5: System guarantee

Our systems are covered by a warranty – with AeroDek offering a guarantee of up to 30 years when properly installed and approved by our team. 

Using BMI AeroDek and our 5 step solution, you can convert a flat roof to a pitched system to add value to a building, reduce its carbon emissions and create lasting durability. Get in touch with us today to get started.