When it comes to getting a new roof one of the most important things to decide is whether you are going to have a low-sloped or steep-sloped roof. The slope of a roof has more to do with the pitch or height of the roof and not the materials. The choice you make will determine how your new roof will work for you.
Roofing Pitches and Their Benefits
Low-sloped roofing
The slope or pitch of a roof needs to be 3:12 (14 degrees) or less to be considered low-sloping. Typically low-sloped roofs are used for commercial properties, but residential developments have been using them more and more in recent years. The typical materials used for low-sloping roof include built-up roof membranes, metal panel roof system, modified bitumen, tar and gravel, and asphalt. The benefits of low-sloped roofing include cost as these systems are typically cheaper because they need fewer materials. This makes them easier and faster to build which means less time and labor is required. Low-sloped roofing is also easier to walk on which make maintenance and repairs much easier too. In addition to this, low-sloped roofing can be multi-functioning by allowing for storage of bulky equipment like air conditioners or as a place to grow a garden.
Steep-sloped roofing
These roofing systems are definitely more common for residential developments and are the typical image that comes to mind when you think of house roofing. The pitch of these roofing systems stands at a much higher angle that low-sloped roofing. The materials typically used for these systems include metal roofing, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, slate, and wood shakes.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of steep-slope roofing are that it is long lasting and they are generally more aesthetically pleasing. The angle of the slope allows for efficient water runoff so there is no risk of pooling water or development of mold. This combined with the lower risk of debris build-up allows these systems to have longer lifespan. Whichever roofing system you are considering, it is best to know what you want before you build. We offer the best in installation and are here to answer any questions you may have. No matter what slope you want, we can help from installation to upkeep and repairs. Your roof is in good hands with us.
