Dreaded Flat Roof Problem

[annieigma]

Hi again,
The saga continues. flat roof on sun room that is part of the house, the rest is concrete tiles. leaking, what a suprise!! at the moment, as previously posted, it has shingles, which have been laid poorly and overhang into the guttering, which i assume is not good. black dirty water, quite thick is dripping from the ceiling in the edges onto the windows, and the artex ceiling has blown. We want to put a slopping tiled roof over it, but there is a window that we would have to get around. we need the window as it illuminates the stairway. should we forget the window and leave a light on, or can we incorporate the window somehow into a roof so the light goes into a chamber, or something if you know what i mean? Our sons house had a glass/perspex thing in the ceiling at the top of the stairs that had a box type configureation that let light in from the roof. Any ideas??? or should we stick with the flat roof and pour loads of sealant over it? I'm all for an easy life.
thanks, annie.

[The Builder]

Annie, it does sound as though the flat roof needs replacing completely. Otherwise, you're going to be patching and sticking stuff on it for ever.

A traditional pitched (slopey) roof is a good way to go, although there are plenty of modern flat roof materials around today.

I would fit a "Velux" type roof window in to light the stairs. With simple timber framing and plasterboard, it's very easy to create a "tunnel" from the stairs to the light. Splay the sides of the tunnel and it gives a much more interesting effect.

[annieigma]

Thanks very much builder, a positive answer. flat roofs always a problem, at the last house it was done professionally, and lasted only 5 years before the sheet timber rotted and the roof had big dips, had to be re-done all over again. tiles it will be, and velux.
thanks again, annie.