What are the Various Types of Roof Pitches?

Roofs come in many shapes and sizes, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The pitch or angle is what defines the nature of the roof itself. Pitched roofs, for example, tend to have angles of more than 20 degrees.

Let’s explore the various roof pitches:

Low-pitch roofs

Roofs belonging to this category tend to have gentle slopes, less than three degrees being the norm. Low-pitch roofs are advantageous as the maintenance, installation, and upkeep are relatively straightforward. However, they may need more care due to the difficulty in clearing snow and draining water from them.

These roofs are also called flat roofs, although they are not genuinely flat. The name is due to how much lower the angles are compared to other types of roofs.

Medium-pitch roofs

Any roof with an angle between four and eight degrees is of a medium pitch. These roofs are a common sight, even across various home styles. Chances are if there is a residential area, the most common roof will be a medium-pitched roof.

The reason they are so popular is due to the versatility of the design. However, when compared to low-pitch roofs, they are more challenging to maintain. Roof inspectors will find it harder to perform maintenance, and contractors will need more time to repair them.

High-pitch roofs

High-pitch roofs range from 9 to 12 degrees. These angles lead to increased difficulty in installation and upkeep. After all, the steeper angles are awkward for workers to negotiate.

Even with their disadvantages, high-pitch roofs are the best in the runoff department. Water and snow will slide into the gutters naturally due to the angle. Houses in rainy areas will benefit the most from this pitch.

While maintaining high-pitch roofs is more expensive, homeowners can save some money in the long run. They don’t need as much maintenance work compared to low-pitched roofs.

Combination roofs

Not every roof will fit into one of the three categories above, as some are very complex structures. They can be a combination of various roof pitches. Visually, this makes a home stand out from the usual designs people encounter.

Which pitch is the right one?

Generally, low pitch roofs are suited for homes in the south. They make the house cooler and require less heating due to less space. Roofs of this category make temperature management straightforward.

High-pitch roofs accommodate a larger attic. If you need more storage space, this would be advantageous.

Ultimately, the various roof pitches all have their advantages. The type of roof needed for a particular home will depend on the area and the householder’s needs. Consult a professional roofer to discuss the best option for you.

Master Pro Services provides expert roofing repair and replacement in Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Hopewell, Ashland, Glen Allen, Moseley, Fort Lee, and surrounding areas. Our services encompass all residential and commercial roofing structures, including flat roofs, Dimensional, three-tab, designer shingles, metal roofing, EPDM roof membranes, thermoplastic roof membranes (TPO), as well as windows, gutters, and other roofing components. Financing is available. BBB member. Call us now at (804) 552-5007.