Roof slope plays an integral role in the type of material you choose for your home or property. In fact, it is one of the most influential factors. Read on to find out why, as well as which roofing materials work best with which slopes.
You won’t think something like tar wouldn’t matter when it comes to choosing a roofing material for your home. However, it is actually one of the most important factors to consider in the roof replacement process. There are numerous material options on the market, from metal and asphalt composite roofing, to constructed roofing, rubber roofing, wood shake, and more. Choosing one can be quite overwhelming, so narrowing down your options based on shade is a great way to take control and find a workable starting point.
measuring your tone
Roof pitch should be measured by a professional. He shouldn’t grab a ladder and try to stretch a tape measure across the surface of your roof. This is incredibly dangerous for anyone with no experience in roofing work. Instead, ask your trusted roofing contractor for information on the specific pitch measurements for your roof, and then use their findings to find a suitable roofing material for your home or property.
Roof slope values
Roof pitches are read as a fraction or ratio, usually using the number 12 as the denominator. The numerator is the vertical height of the ceiling and the denominator is the horizontal length (ie, 4/12 = for every 12 horizontal feet, the ceiling lowers (or rises) 4 feet).
Here are some recommended roofing materials for some of the most common roof pitches in Indiana:
1:12 to 3:12
These tone values are in the lower range. Conventional shingles are not recommended for low-slope roof systems due to the risk of moisture buildup, which can lead to a long list of roof damage, including mold, mildew, algae, and moss growth. Low-slope roofs have reduced water drainage capabilities, preventing the shingles from drying out completely. Instead, you would need a watertight seal, which can be achieved with a built up and “torched down” roof, or standing seam metal roofing.
4:12 to 12:12
In this range, the roofs are neither too flat nor too steep. They are comfortably in the mid-range. For this reason, the most suitable materials for pitched roofs in this range are asphalt and composite tiles. These are popular for a number of reasons, particularly their cost effectiveness, ease of installation, and low maintenance.
5:12 to 12:12
For these values, it is common to see wooden battens or slate tiles. They are more prone to leaks since they do not lay completely flat or secure together well, which is why they are not recommended for flatter roof types. This means they are best for steep ridges with good water drainage.