changing pitch on roof

[msmiller36]

im considering changing my roof pitch, i have a roof pitch of 3/12 i wanna rasie it because when ever it rains heavy it backs up on the shingles and leaks, the roof shingles are arch- shingles , they are about 7 years old but they where not overlapped correctly if im going to bother with re roofing it im thinking of raising the pitch, also i would like the look of a little bigger pitch, any suggestions on how to do this

[ArmchairDIY]

Raising a roof pitch involves a lot more than just roof framing. It will include soffit, fascia, and siding the gable ends among a host of other things.

A 3/12 pitch should not be backing up under the shingles if the shingles were properly installed. It will be much more practical to re-roof your home. I think re framing the roof system is an excessive expense going by the information at hand.

[DavidC]

What part of the country are you in? and is this something you would attempt yourself or hire a contractor?

We may be able to offer some suggestions but if you are serious than an architect or engineer would be the first step to take. It will be a very expensive undertaking as Armchair has said. It does sound like the existing shingles were not installed properly, rain doesn't usually back up. Most shingle manufacturers offer shingles suitable for even a 2/12 pitch with a full guarantee.

A bit more info would be help us help you better.

Good Luck
Dave

[naptownCr]

Do you have any photographs of the roof?
Can you safely measure the exposure to the weather? (Amount of shingle exposed from bottom until the next shingle overlaps)

[robsam]

According to me there should be no problem in expanding the pitch. Yes I agree that expansion needs much attention towards soffit & fascia but that not the problem. Further, if you hire an engineer, that would be really good for you because experimenting with your roof can be more expensive if you do it yourself. Can you post some pictures of that area so that we can be more clear about what you want to do ?

[deckman]

You might want to consider putting on a metal roof instead of shingles, way less $ than rebuilding your whole roof. Metal roofing does fine on a 3/12 pitch.

[Bodger]

According to me there should be no problem in expanding the pitch. Yes I agree that expansion needs much attention towards soffit & fascia but that not the problem. Further, if you hire an engineer, that would be really good for you because experimenting with your roof can be more expensive if you do it yourself. Can you post some pictures of that area so that we can be more clear about what you want to do ?

The ban hammer fell quick. According to me, that should be no problem.

[Attics to Basements]

- Talk with one of your local lumber yards and make sure your ridge and bearing points are ok. If you do not have any experience in this area, it might be wise to hire it out.

[Mike(VA)]

Before I would look at changing the pitch, I would find out where and how the leaks occur. It may not even be a problem with the shingles. Have you checked all roof penetrations, valleys, and fascias? Checked all flashing around dormers and dormer windows, chimneys, and skylights and light tubes? Any areas where there should be a cricket? Do you have debris piles on the roof or in valleys causing water backup? Ridge vent improperly installed or sized wrong? Any flat roof sections abutting a pitched section?

As for changing the pitch, sure, it can be done. I bet, though, that you have trusses and when you start adding and distributing loads for which the trusses were not designed, you may have some problems without having an engineer spec it out.