A roof pitch is the slope or incline of a roof. Roofs are measured by the number of inches they rise for every 12 inches they run horizontally. For example, a roof with a pitch of 4/12 rises four inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. A roof with a pitch of 6/12 rises six inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance.
If your roof has a pitch less than 4/12, it is considered to be low-pitched and can typically be walked on without additional safety equipment because the slope makes it stable.
However, if your roof has a pitch greater than 4/12, it is considered to be steep and requires additional safety equipment because you cannot safely walk on them without the risk of slipping and falling. For example, if your roof has a pitch greater than 9/12, it may require scaffolding or rigging so the roof can be properly repaired without the added danger of falling that a steep pitch brings. This extra setup time and equipment can add cost.
How to determine what type of roof pitch you have?
Low Pitch Roof: The low pitch roof is a very popular and efficient type of roof. It is used in many commercial buildings, such as warehouses, factories, schools, etc. This type of roof has the advantage that it can be installed quickly and easily. A low-pitched (low slope) roof presents a rise of no more than 3 inches per horizontal foot. Low-slope roofing materials come in many different types, including asphalt shingle, and other roofing materials. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
High Pitch Roof: The Roof Pitch of your home can be defined as the angle at which the roof slants towards the ground. A higher roof pitch means that it slopes more sharply than a lower-pitched roof. This helps in keeping snow from piling up adding weight to the structure as well as helping channel rainwater away from the roof which could cause leaks.
Roof pitch determines the types of roofing materials you use.
When it comes to roof repairs, many homeowners are left wondering if the pitch of the roof matters. In reality, this is one of the most important factors in getting a good roof installation and repair. A roof pitch refers to the angle at which the roof is sloped. This may sound like a very small detail, but it actually determines quite a lot about how well your roof will perform for years to come. Roof pitches are a crucial part of a roof since they will determine the type of materials used on the roof. Aside from the style of the roof and the aesthetics, the roof pitch also decides the long-term durability. They have to determine how long it will take for debris and water to get off the roof.
In addition to determining what materials can be used on your roof and how durable your roof will be, this factor also plays a role in determining how much you pay for your renovation or new construction project. The higher your roof pitch, the more expensive it will be because of all of these variables that go into it.
Does a low roof pitch cause roof failure?
Does a low roof pitch cause roof failure? The short answer is yes, a low pitch roof may cause your roof to fail. Every home has a different exterior look, and the slope of your roof may contribute to this aesthetic—but it can also contribute to the overall health of your home.
With a low pitch roof, you may find debris and dirt build-up on the surface of your roof. This can look unsightly and potentially damage the roof and building structure over time if not removed. You should maintain the roof like other parts of your home by checking it regularly for debris build-up or cracks in tiles. Don’t be afraid to call in professionals if you suspect there may be damage that needs evaluating.
Does roof steep pitch influence the cost of roof repair?
When it comes to roofing, there are a lot of factors that go into the cost of a repair. One major factor is the pitch of the roof. In general, a steeper pitch will require special skills, equipment, and safety. Therefore, a steeper roof usually costs more than a lower slope.
Can’t walk On Steep Roofs
Steep pitch roofs make it impossible to walk on, so we have to be extra careful when moving around on those kinds of projects. This adds time to every project where we’re working on roofs like that.
This is especially true if you need us to run a line from the roof down to the ground, which means we’ll have to do more positioning and moving around than usual.
More Safety Equipment Is Required
The dangers of working on a steep roof are well known. Because it is unsafe to walk on a steep roof, extra equipment will most likely be required to complete the work without endangering workers. Some steep roofs require scaffolding or rigging so the roof can be properly repaired without the added danger of falling that a steep pitch brings. This extra setup time and equipment can add cost to your project.
Steep Roofs Require Specialty Skills
Steep roofs are a specialty type of roof that not all roofers can work on. They require extra work and special skills, as well as a different installation technique than flat roofs.
Unlike flat roofs that use minimal nails to secure shingles, steep roofs require more nails because they can’t be installed as easily. This means more time and effort have to go into the installation process, which can increase the cost of a roof. It also requires the use of special underlayment materials to meet safety standards and code requirements.
Don’t Steep Roof Repair Costs Scare you Off
Don’t let a higher repair price scare you off. If a roof isn’t repaired, it can cause significant damage and easily cost a lot more money if the repair goes untreated. Wood rot, damaged shingles, mold, and a variety of other issues can form rapidly requiring an entirely new roof if repairs are delayed too long.
If your roof requires extensive repair, it’s worth paying upfront. In the long run, you will be happy with your choice to pay for the roof repairs now instead of paying for an entirely new roof later.
If you’re concerned about the cost of repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We can even provide you with more information on payment options and how we may be able to help lower the cost of your repairs.
Don’t delay your roof repairs any longer! Reach out today for more information on your roof repair options as well as to schedule an appointment for an inspection and estimate.
