Raising Your Roof

Raising a House Roof

• In homes, raising the roof can create as much as 100 percent new space, Existing attics become second stories, and partitions are added to make individual rooms. Plumbing and electrical can be extended from existing systems to make a second story as comfortable as the first. Consult professional contractors who specialize in raising roofs and creating new stories in homes before making plans. Tell them exactly what you hope to gain by raising the roof, including details such as where you want second-story amenities, including bathrooms and windows, and what the rooms will be used for. For example, a home office will need more outlets than a guest bedroom. They’ll be able to tell you what the costs will be, as well as how long the project will take. Plan to spend the duration of the project in a hotel or with friends or family, as your home won’t be habitable when the roof comes off.

Commercial Roof-Raising

• For commercial buildings, roofs are often raised to provide more storage or retail display space. As with a home, you’ll need an experienced contractor to do the work. In many cases, you can use the existing roof structure for the new roof and won’t have to completely relocate your business while the work is being done. You’ll avoid having to invest in additional real estate for your business or shop or apply for rezoning in new areas and will end up with room for more materials and tenants. Raising a roof often means being able to have more windows and bring in more light, which will attract both tenants and shoppers.

Raising a Warehouse Roof

• Storage facilities can continue to grow with roof raises as well. Existing warehouses can add multiple levels of storage when a roof is raised and additional catwalks or floors are installed. The previous roof can be used again, or materials from it can be salvaged for the new roof, saving money and reducing the environmental effect of having the work done. Sections of the existing building can remain in use as the roof is raised, and a higher roof can also mean that warehouse machinery has better clearance to move about. Additional space also means that warehouses can take in more inventory and store it in more economical ways without having to ship it to additional storage facilities.

The Process of Raising a Roof

• Raising a roof is a difficult job and takes time. Depending on the building, the contractors first remove the old roof and any attached materials, such as tiles and siding. The second floor is checked for stability and shoring-up is done if necessary. Supports for the new roof and new walls are installed as well as new stairs, and the roof goes back on or is rebuilt. The inside of the building still needs work, however, after the roof goes back on: wiring and plumbing, carpeting and any other such tasks are taken care of at this time. Finally, the walls are painted, and the new area is ready for habitation or use.