Contact about our Gaithersburg roofing

Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Steep Pitch Or Low?

Seneca Creek Home Improvement: Professional Gaithersburg MD Roofers
Seneca Creek Home Improvement banner

The pitch, or slope, of a roof is a major factor in determining whether it will constructed from shingles, slate or something else. Slopes are generally categorized into four basic types: flat, low-slope, conventional and steep.

The popularity of steep roofs is gaining momentum because they have certain advantages over lower-sloped roofs. Another reason for the growing trend toward high-sloped roofs is the fact that technological advances have led to the development of new roofing materials that are suitable for them. Among these new materials are asphalt shingles, lightweight plastics and metal roofs.

What are the advantages of a steep roof? Steep roofs are visually pleasing, low-maintenance and offer a wider choice of looks compared to lower-sloped alternatives. Steep-sloped Gaithersburg roofing outperforms low slope roofing; materials last up to 50 percent longer than low roofs because water flows off faster before it has the chance to cause damage. Low-slope roofs may also require special techniques and materials to prevent leaks.

Flat roofs, which may not be perfectly flat, are economical to build but may develop problems in the long term because water drains slowly, exposing the structure to possible leaks.

Steep slope roofs are "colder" than their shallow counterparts. Air flows in through the eaves and out through the ridge.

Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Gaithersburg MD roofers can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, windows or siding.

In cold climates, this prevents ice dams, which not only cause leaks and water damage inside the building, they also completely destroy roof decks. In warm climates, cold roofs reduce heat transfer and cut down energy usage for air conditioning.

The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) has a rating system for showing accurate radiative property data on the outermost layer of roof surfaces. Many products that are rated by the CRRC not only improve the energy efficiency of buildings but also positively impact the environment. The CRRC's Rated Products Directory is used by building code bodies, architects, energy service providers, community planners and property owners.

By far, one of the most compelling arguments in favor of steep roofs comes from the results of a 2007 study showing that Gulf Coast structures that had steep roofs fared better in Hurricane Katrina than did buildings with low-slope roofs.

How does the pitch influence the choice of materials? Stone roofs have less flexibility as regards pitch. If a stone roof has too low a pitch, it will leak. If it is too steep, the stones will fall off. Thatched roofs require a steep pitch in order to drain properly. Clay tiles have the lowest life-cycle cost of any steep-slope product and are the most economical choice.

Steep roofs are also more costly than roofs with a lower slope. They take up more surface area and require more materials such as extra fasteners. Steep roofs also take more time to install, which increases labor costs.

Contact Seneca Creek Home Improvement today

For your free consultation, please call us today at (301) 363-1480 or submit the form below.

Contact Roofers: Seneca Creek Home Improvement

click to call

click to submit form