Roofing Question: Does Your Roof Slope Matter?

Roofing question of the day: does roof slope matter?

We often get asked by homeowners considering getting a new roof if their current roof slope matters.

Your home’s roofing system is made up of many different components that give it its structural integrity, but one aspect that stands out about your roof is its roof slope. Roof slopes come in different shapes and sizes in accordance with the context of your roof, but its more than just geometry!

They sure have a value of their own! Chances a roof slope hasn’t crossed your mind and if that’s you, that’s ok. Today we are going to talk about the significance of roof slopes and what that means to you.

Note: Roof pitches focus on your roof span to rise and roof slope ratio is rising over run, the old middle school math class – let us elaborate!

Roof Slopes: The hidden significance

Roof slopes are more significant than you’d expect! They play an integral part in your roof’s drainage system to ensure the removal of rain and snow, they interact structurally with your roof’s pitch that’ll determine the roofing materials used on your home, and much more! Their role is what gives your roof its edge!

Roof slope as mentioned above is calculated by vertical rise over horizontal run. Here are the metrics to take into account:

• Less than or equal to 2/12 – Low slope roofs with a low pitch.
• 2/12 < x < 6/12 – Medium slope roofs with a medium pitch (standard roof pitches)
• Greater than or equal to 6/12 – Steep slope roofs with a steep pitch.

Why is roof pitch important?

Your roof’s pitch determines the structural components of your roof deck and roofing material (roofing shingles, wood shakes, etc.) you will use on your house. While it plays an integral part in the style and aesthetic value of your roof, it also contributes to overall durability and your roof’s ability to shed rain and snow run off. Important!

Low slope roof

Low-slope roofs are essential and serve a unique purpose, primarily for commercial buildings. They comprise of a low-pitched roof with a low slope equal to or under the 2/12 metric. This roofing system is often made out of modified bitumen or versions of metal and concrete roofing. Areas with heavy snowfall often have minimum roof pitch details within building codes in order to adhere to state and local ordinances.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are a part of a building’s architecture that are traditionally used by commercial properties to accommodate larger populations of people. While not having extra attic space like steeper roof slopes do, roofing manufacturers have made flat designs that allow for more foot traffic, more storage, and green roofing systems.

Keep in mind that most low slope roofs aren’t truly flat per se due to a slight degree in slope as a way to prevent the build-up of rain and know. Suitable roofing materials as mentioned above, are therefore required to ensure stability and durability.

Steep slope roof

A steep slope roof, however, has a much steeper slope ratio than its low slope counterparts for obvious reasons. You will find these varieties on residential buildings more often than not, and usually come with more attic space for proper ventilation. Steep roofs allow the option to choose from a multitude of regular roofing shingles like asphalt shingles, the most common in the marketplace among other designs than only a few like the former.

Is a higher roof pitch better?

The higher the slope and pitch of your roof, the more structurally sound and resistant your roof will be to the elements and the formation of weak spots on your roof. The cost will be higher due to more surface area to cover for roofing materials; however, you certainly get what you pay for granted you are on top of proper maintenance!

Getting a new roof? Here’s what to do….

If you are in the process of getting a new roof and are determining the right slope for you in the context of your home, contact a local roofing contractor who can provide an expert opinion and further guidance.

While all roofs require extensive knowledge and expertise, the higher the slope and pitch of your roof, the more skilled labor is required. Don’t let that deter you, you want to be able to fulfill your home’s needs!

What’s the Verdict?

Obvisouly you wan to avoid roof collapses and you also don’t want to have a super steep roof. Luckily, in most cases you won’t typically have to worry about any of these when replacing your roof’s shingles.

Roof slopes are dynamic in nature and serve a variety of purposes no matter the roof pitch and roof angles and deserve attention as an essential roofing component.

While not all roof slopes are made the same, keep in mind the requirements each variation needs, whether it be roofing materials, more skilled labor for maintenance, and so forth as there is no one size fits all whether you are referring to commercial buildings or residential buildings.

If you have anything questions and would like to get in touch with roofing contractors for an expert opinion, feel free to reach out to us, and we will be more than happy to help!