WHAT IS A PITCHED ROOF?
WHAT IS A PITCHED ROOF?
While constructing their home, many homeowners ask themselves, “what is a pitched roof and how important is it?” Understanding the pitch of the roof is very simple, as this is just a calculation of the slope.
Roof pitch is the most visible part of your roof. If you are considering constructing your roof, you need to understand how it works and how it affects durability. The health and longevity of your roof also depend on its pitch, further increasing its importance.
The pitch of the roof is simply the slope of your roof. Unique roof designs call for a unique pitch. For instance, if you are installing a pyramid roof, the pitch will be steeper. However, a commercial roof will have a lower pitch. Differing priorities between commercial and residential buildings leads to a different pitch.
For larger buildings, low pitched roofs are the best for maximum protection. However, these roofs can gather a great deal of water. On the other hand, high pitched roofs have little to no problem in managing snow and water build-up.
Steep slopes guide snow, rain and hail off the roof more quickly, avoiding leaks or damage. The pitch of the roof will avoid water from gathering on the roof’s surface, unlike flat roofs. Furthermore, you will also get additional space by installing a high pitched roof. For instance, roofs lifted from the center allow space for an attic.
ROOF PITCH DEFINED
Roof pitch is a measurement of a roof’s angle. The roof's pitch is the ratio between the horizontal span and the vertical rise of the roof. In the US, the pitch of the roof is expressed as a ratio and measured in inches.
Steeper roofs mean a much larger vertical number. However, the horizontal number is always 12 inches away from the roof. The horizontal measurement is standard. If the roof's pitch is 10:12, the roof will rise by 10 inches for every 12 inches horizontally. This will result in a steep slope.
WHY IS ROOF PITCH IMPORTANT?
A roof’s pitch also determines the material that your roof will need. Other than aesthetics and style, the pitch of the roof also determines the durability of the roof. Higher pitches can roll water and debris off the roof, avoiding build ups and blockages.
BASIC TYPES OF ROOF PITCHES
LOW SLOPES
You can construct these pitches and they can be more expensive. Furthermore, you cannot use asphalt shingles with a low slope pitch. These are expensive, need a lot of maintenance, and require high quality and costly materials to construct. You know you’ll have a low slope roof if your slope is less than a 2:12.
CONVENTIONAL
You can easily walk on these roofs and are perfect for adding on top of a garage, shed, and a general room.
STEEP SLOPE
These types of pitches are perfect for harsh climate conditions, as the angle will prevent snow and rain from damaging the roof of your house. These are stable and efficient and will last for a few decades.
WHY DOES ROOF PITCH MATTER?
The main purpose of installing a pitched roof is to ensure that water is not pooling on the roof. With the help of gravity, high pitched roofs will drain out the water naturally. Higher pitched roofs are perfect for areas with longer wet seasons. To measure a roof’s pitch, you need to find the ratio of the horizontal distance (the run) to the vertical distance (the rise).
For instance, the 6/12 inch pitch's meaning is that the roof is rising 6 inches at every 12 inches of the run. The roof with a low slope mostly ranges from 2/12 to 5/12 inches. If a roof has a higher ratio than 5/12, it is a higher slope. To measure a roof pitch, you will need a ladder. However, you need to hire or consult with an expert to properly measure the roof's pitch. If you are installing a new roof, then the hiring professional will help you find the roof’s pitch.
DOES THE PITCH OF THE ROOF EFFECT ROOFING MATERIAL?
Every roofing type has its unique properties. Many materials are perfect for high pitched roofs, allowing snow melts and rainwater does not trap. Exposing your roof to moisture ca=n lead to serious damage, which will also affect the house's overall structure.
In order to find the perfect material for your roof, you can consult with a professional. They will keep in mind the climate situation and structure of your home to determine the right pitch. Moreover, they will also help choose the material that will go best with your pitch. If you choose the perfect pitch and material for your house, your roof can last for decades.
DOES THE PITCH OF THE ROOF EFFECT MAINTENANCE?
You need to maintain any type of roof, as maintenance extends the life of any roof. However, the need for maintenance depends on various factors, such as a roof's pitch, roofing material, weather, and location.
CONCLUSION
The pitch of the roof will determine how high the roof of your house will be. You cannot use any material for the roof of your house until you consider the pitch you will be adding. This is because some materials will work perfectly for flat roofs, but some will go better with a high pitched roof. However, a builder can determine the durability of your roof. If you are still confused about what is a pitched roof, you can contact a professional. They have adequate expertise, training, and certification to understand your roof’s requirements based on the pitch and various other factors.