Roof Pitch: the Value of Steep and Lower Pitched Roofs
When many of us think of a roof, our first visuals tend to center more on the individual pieces on the roof: shingles, a chimney, or the ventilation. Often, the pitch of the roof, unless it is overly dramatic, is overlooked. We see it, whether it is steep or flat or somewhere in between, but the valuable and detrimental traits of each may be missed. However, when purchasing a new home or having one custom built, the pitch or slope of the roof should be greatly weighed. Depending on where one lives and the various inside and outside factors that affect a roof’s value, the pitch can make a tremendous difference regarding the overall worth of a home.
One of the first things to know is how a roof’s pitch is determined. If we take the example of a 6/12 roof, a common middle-ground pitch, we can ask what those numbers represent. Both numbers are in inches with the first number measuring the vertical rise and the second number the horizontal length. Therefore, in this case, for one foot of horizontal length (12”), the roof slopes upward six inches. A pitch of 3/12 and lower is generally considered a “flat roof” but some slope is still in play; however, with that low of a pitch, shingles are generally to be avoided as water tends to stand and eventually infiltrate the spaces between the shingles. A pitch of 9 or 10/12 and up is considered relatively steep, but some get into the high teens and low twenties, or exceedingly steep.
Once the pitch is determined, the pros of steep- and low-slope roofs can be discussed. In the case of steep roofs, a number of great benefits are involved. First, with a steep angle, any water, snow, and/or debris more easily runs or falls off. This prevents standing water or the accumulation of leaves, both of which can deteriorate a roof much quicker. Second, the space immediately under the roof tends to be larger, and this can of course allow for either more attic space for storage or even additional rooms for a larger family. Third, the larger space allows for more air flow into the upper portion of the home. This helps to keep both warm and cool air, depending on the season, moving freely.
A lower pitched roof also presents plenty of positive value as well. One of the most important for many homeowners, or homeowners-to-be, is the cost. As lower pitched roofs involve less materials due to their smaller size, they are cheaper to replace or repair when those occasions arise. Another benefit to the low-slope roof is that it is easier for a homeowner to perform self-maintenance safely. Steep pitches are much more dangerous, increasing the risk of falling; lower pitches mean a more walkable surface for cleaning off debris.
When making a final decision, it may be best to go with a middle-of-the-road pitch, one that allows for enough water and debris run-off while also being flat enough for a homeowner to perform low-risk maintenance. In either case, the roofing professionals from Fusion Roofing and Restoration can offer affordable and durable replacement roofs as well as high-quality repairs and maintenance. Protecting your roof, regardless of pitch, is a wise decision, and Fusion Roofing is glad to be of service to you in keeping your roof performing at a high level.
