My father lives in a duplex. The building has a flat roof and despite being re-tarred he continues to experience leaks. I believe that he wants to proceed with a new pitched/slopped roof. One of the contractors he spoke with said that they can build the new roof right over the existing one. My father is a bit sceptical about this. Would you suggest building over the tarred roof or removing the old roof completely?
Answer:
Absolutely not! The existing built up roof will provide enough of a vapour barrier to force the replacement of all of it - including most of the new pitched roof. A properly done flat roof in the Ottawa Valley (ON) with four layers of tar paper separated by hot tar and then gravel will last at least twenty years but all the old stuff has to be taken off first. This is a job for a pro and apparently not by the roofer who suggested building over it. Tearing the whole thing off will also permit properly insulating the floor of the new attic cavity if he still wishes to go the pitched roof way.
In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects. Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com.
Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
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Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips" is a monthly journal that talks everything to do with HOME OWNERSHIP & MAINTANENCE.
It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.
To order, simply send a cheque or money order to: Ren, P.O. Box 9411, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3V1
E-mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $17.95. Regular mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $33.95. (subject to change without notice) Credit card companies take a cut from payments so we are not credit card friendly - can't justify it. Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips makes the perfect gift any time for almost everyone: Be My Valentine, Easter, Christmas, Mothers’ Day, Fathers' Day, Birthday, Wedding, Congratulations New Home Owner(s), Thinking Of you, Good neighbour Ren
