How Does My Roof Pitch Affect My Choices of Roofing Materials?

When you’re selecting a roofing material, whether to install on a new home or to replace your old roof, you might not know that your roof pitch will narrow down your choices. Many homeowners assume that any type of roofing material will work for their home, but the slope of the roof will have a huge impact on what kind of choices you have.

If you’re unsure about which roofing material is right for you, just ask your local licensed and insured roofing contractor in New Bern, NC—they’ll be able to guide you in choosing an appropriate material that fits your pitch and your budget.

What is roof pitch?

Roof pitch is the degree of the slope of your roof. This is calculated by measuring the height of the roof against the horizontal length. The ratio always ends in 12, for simplicity’s sake. If you have a 6/12 roof, that means the roof changes 6 feet in height for every 12 feet in length. 4/12 is a moderate angle, while 1/12 is almost flat (think many midcentury modern homes) and 12/12 is a 45-degree angle (think Victorian homes).

Which materials work best with my roof pitch?

In general, you should never go below the low range of a roofing material’s ratio—although sometimes you can exceed the higher range. Most residential roofs are in the 4/12 to 20/12 range, which means asphalt, metal, wood and slate shingles and clay or cement tiles are appropriate. For clay and cement, the steeper your roof is, the more likely the tiles will rattle in inclement weather. They also require a double underlayer if your pitch is between 2.5/12 and 4/12. Wood and slate, on the other hand, should be reserved for homes 5/12 and above, since they don’t interlock as tightly as other materials, which can lead to leaks.

If you have a moderately pitched roof, however, avoid rubber, built-up roofing and torch-down roofing, which are best suited for flat apartment or industrial roofs.

While your roof pitch will limit you in some regard, for the most part, the average homeowner will still be able to choose from the most popular and widely-available roofing materials. If you have an unusually steep or flat roof, you’ll have fewer choices, but you’ll be happier if you follow roof pitch recommendations when you’re selecting your new roof.

Finally, keep in mind that asphalt and metal shingles can simulate the look of other materials, so you can almost always get the aesthetic look you want.

Licensed and insured roofing contractor in New Bern, NC

Dallas Cherry Roofing is New Bern’s premier shingle roofing contractor. Our team installs beautiful, functional roofs, including asphalt and metal shingles. We also offer repair and replacement services, so you can rest assured that you have a quality covering that will last for years to come. We also make sure to clean up after the project is done, so all you have to do is enjoy your new roof. Call us today for an estimate and to learn more about our services.

Categorised in: Roofing Contractor

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