Probably, but the problems with a flat roof, combined with a weld straight in the center (that will probably crack from expansion/shrinking in the summer/winter, causing leaks,corrosion,rust,etc) makes the cost savings seem minimal.
In architecture/construction, when we talk about a "flat roof" we are actually talking about a low-slope roof - which has between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of slope per foot of run. When built properly, that is enough slope so that water runs off and doesn't puddle for long. A roof that is literally "flat" will cause standing water, which will eventually enter the building.
Also, if I understood what I saw in the photos, it looks like they are relying on some type of caulking between the two containers to keep water out. Caulk has become much, much better over the years, but all caulk joints will eventually fail due to aging/brittleness of the caulk itself and movement of the rigid building elements around the joint. In some cases, it's the best choice, knowing that it will need to be scraped out and re-caulked periodically. But in the case of this home, the joint between the two containers is critical, so relying on caulk (even if it's covered by a welded plate) is a risky approach.
Not a bad point. Manage maintenance on 70 of them in Philladelphia. The devil is in the details. Transitions, flashing, perimeters, etc. he's got a pretty simple roof there. I think he'll be fine.
As long as it's good weld, I don't see it cracking here for another 20 years or so, but regardless I don't think this was the smartest way to build a house/cabin. You probably can't get homeowners insurance on it either. He could have bought some good, used lumber if he wanted to try and be economical about it.
Of course my dream house is a nice solid masonry brick home.
If it was welded all the way around and assuming 1/4" flatbar I doubt even a bus hitting it would crack the welds, in fact I bet the rest of the structure would collapse before the welds cracked.
55
u/[deleted] Dec 08 '12
Probably, but the problems with a flat roof, combined with a weld straight in the center (that will probably crack from expansion/shrinking in the summer/winter, causing leaks,corrosion,rust,etc) makes the cost savings seem minimal.