Here Are 7 Advantages of A Pitched Roof
A high pitch roof is typically 6/12 – or 6 inches high for every 12” across. As you make roofing decisions, most folks believe these roofs cost more money and require more materials. Thereby, they’re oftentimes tempted to try a low slope. But, 6/12 and above rooftops are valuable. Below are multiple benefits to having a steep roof:
- There is less danger of pooling water: Upon high-slope rooftops, gravity will make short work of any dampness—as your roof rapidly channels the water down inside gutters. The lower a slope, the longer moisture remains on a rooftop in which it degrades materials then turns weak spots to leaks. Poorly designed valleys and flat rooftops eventually have issues with pooling water, which is extremely hazardous for a roof.
- Better management of energy: Here is one advantage you likely were not expecting. Cold roof systems are made to permit easy flow of air into the eaves then out of the ridge. It assists in preventing build-up of ice in cool areas and decrease cooling bills within warm areas. It’ll help you save as it’ll come to both roof wear and money. What do cold roof systems require? A steep roof pitch which permits an abundance of air inside.
- More options for decoration and style: One reason why steep rooftops are so popular is that they’re more visible. Not just will they make a home look more ornate and bigger, they additionally permit more experimentation with decorative caps, inventive designs, and gables. From a professional point of view, a steep roof also is much easier to check for any warning indications.
- Storage space: All that space underneath a steep roof pitch is great for more than just air! Steep roofing encourages the creation of larger attic areas which are good for long-term or seasonal storage. The best part is that this storage room oftentimes has extremely low installation prices, as the space already is there.
- Fewer snow worries: Even without cold roof systems, a steep roof generally is better inside a snowy environment. They’ll encourage snow to slide off before it actually builds up too high. Ice will melt more easily on the steep slope and prevent the build-up of ice dams or patches which may force moisture down into the roof.
- Less debris: As dirt, branches, leaves, and needles hit a low-slope roof, they usually linger there easier than they might on a roof that has a high pitch. The steep slope keeps the roof looking clean, even after a storm.
- More durability: What will happen as a roof does not struggle with ice problems, lingering debris, and pooling water? It’ll last much longer. Typically, steep rooftops have a longer lifespan and require fewer repairs than a low-slope or flat rooftop.
What is the Difference Between a Flat Roof and a Pitched Roof?
To start, I would like to clear up a misused term that describes a flat roof. You never should actually encounter a flat roof. All roofs ought to be sloped to drain. Water will weigh more than 8 lbs. per gallon and you never want to turn the roof into a swimming pool; roofs generally aren’t framed to support substantial ponding water. Therefore, it’d be more accurate to consider a low slop roof vs. a sloped roof. I used the term flat roof in this section because I felt it was common usage.
Ways to Measure Roof Slope
The standard method of measuring the pitch of a roof is by its fall over 12”. A roof which falls 1” over 12” is referred to as a 1 and 12 and is considered low slope.
- Sloped roofs generally are 4 and 12 and higher.
- Low slope roofs generally are pitches of 3 and 12 or under.
Low Slope Roofs
Low slope roofs must possess a membrane system as a roof covering. Generally, membranes are roofing material sheets installed in such a way that a roof wouldn’t leak if standing water were there. There are different membrane systems: single-ply, torch-down, and built-up being the most common. You can’t utilize shingles on roofs that have pitches that are under 3 and 12 and even a 3 and 12 will require unique installation methods to prevent failure and leaks.
A low slope roof has a well-earned reputation for being a problem. Because they do not shed water well they are more likely to experience leaks, and leaks on a flat roof may be a real problem to track down; it’s possible to find yourself chasing water, which never is fun and may make roof replacement the only choice for repair. In conjunction with comparatively pricier installation and useful, shorter service life, a low slope roof generally is a higher maintenance roof than a sloped roof. But…
As with all roofing systems, a lot will depend on the installation’s quality. A few of the newer single-ply membranes are available with 50-year warranties. It’s unclear if they’ll perform reliably for that long; however, they tend to be a superior product to some of the older systems if installed well. Most older membrane systems, such as torch down, oftentimes have around ten years of life without a lot care then another 5 to 15 years in which ongoing repairs and patching are required.
The Benefit of Low Slope
The one true benefits to a low slope roof is if a building additionally comes with a large roof overhang. Some homes have low slope roofs that have large overhangs and because the roofing is low slope, its overhangs don’t block the windows. The design affords great protection of the home and nice inside illumination. While you have a higher-maintenance low slope roof, it ought to come with lower maintenance siding, decks, doors, and windows, as they’re protected by the roof. It may be a good trade off. The bottom line is that a roof overhang is your friend when it comes to decreasing outside maintenance.
In Summary
You’d be smart to consider the relative drawbacks and benefits of a variety of roof lines as you search houses to purchase. Don’t underestimate the value of an excellent roof line. If low outside maintenance is what you’re on the lookout for, search for houses that have generous roof overhangs and simplistic roof lines.