When having your home built, there are many different decisions to make. Aside from the materials used for your roof, the angle or slope you would like your roof also has several options. Should you opt for a steep roof or should you select a flat one? A steeper roof slope has a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making your final decision. Before we get on with that, let’s first talk about the roof slope.
What Is Roof Slope And Why Does It Matter?
The slope of your roof is measured by the vertical rise divided by the horizontal run. It’s typically expressed as a ratio, with the rise listed first and the run second. For example, a 4 in 12 roof slope would be written as 4:12. This means that for every 12 inches (1 foot) of horizontal distance, the roof rises 4 inches vertically. The angle of your roof’s slope is also sometimes referred to as its pitch.
A steeper slope means that there is a greater vertical rise for a given horizontal run. In other words, the roof will have a more drastic incline. Conversely, a flatter slope means that there is a smaller vertical rise for a given horizontal run. This results in a less drastic incline for the roof.
The slope of your roof can affect a number of things, including:
The look of your home
A steeper slope can give your home a more traditional appearance, while a flatter slope may give it a more modern look.
The amount of space in your attic or roof
A steeper slope means that there will be less space in your attic or roof, while a flatter slope means that there will be more space.
The amount of rain, snow, and ice that your roof can shed
A steeper slope means that your roof will shed rain, snow, and ice more easily, while a flatter slope may cause these things to build up on your roof.
Now that we’ve talked about what roof slope is and why it matters, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of a steep slope.
Advantages Of A Steep Slope
An advantage of a steep roof slope is that it sheds snow and ice more effectively than a shallower slope. This can be important in areas where there are heavy winter storms. The steeper the slope, the more quickly the snow and ice will slide off, reducing the likelihood of damage to the roof or gutters.
Another advantage of a steep roof slope is that it can give the home a more elegant appearance. A steeper slope makes the roof appear taller, which can make the whole house look more stately and impressive.
Disadvantages Of A Steep Slope
One disadvantage of a steep roof slope is that it requires more material to cover the same area as a shallower slope. This can increase the cost of the roofing project.
Another disadvantage of a steep roof slope is that it can make the attic or roof difficult to access. If you need to get into the attic for storage or repairs, a steeper slope can make it more difficult and dangerous to do so.
Maintenance For Roofs With Steep Slope
It’s important to note that all roofs, regardless of slope, require regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the gutters, checking for leaks, and inspecting the roof for damage. However, a steep roof may require more frequent or specialized maintenance due to the increased risk of problems such as ice dams. Be sure to discuss the maintenance requirements with your roofing contractor before having a steep roof installed.
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of a steep roof slope, you can make an informed decision about what’s right for your home. If you have any questions or need help with your roofing project, contact a local roofing contractor today.
