Something you normally don't have the option of replacing on a roof is the pitch. The roof pitch determines the cost of your roof replacement. Roofs steeper than an eight pitch are going to cost more in both materials and labor. A steep roof with a 10 on 12 pitch uses about 25-30% more shingles than a 5 on 12 pitch roof the same size.
The roofs pitch will determine what types of materials you can use. Roofs that are anywhere between a 3 pitch and straight up and down 45 degree wall can be covered with architectural shingles. Roofs that are steep pitch can have either shingles, metal, slate or shakes.
Roofs that are under a 3 pitch will only have rolled roofing, modified bitumen or rubber roofing. Rolled roofing is a type of fiberglass matt covered in asphalt and granules that is available in 3’ rolls mostly. Modified bitumen is also only available in 3’ rolls and is a type of asphalt roofing system that is torched down. EPDM, also known as rubber roofing is very common on flat roofs along with TPO and PVC which are all available in 10’ rolls providing less seams and longer warranties.
Learn all you need to know when it comes to the shingles on your roof.
Learn all about the quality and features that comes with a metal roof.
Learn all about historic slate roofing tiles and how they can last up to 100 years!
Roof pitch is calculated by measuring the distance that the roof raises over a distance of 12” so a roof that increases 5” in height over the length of 12” would be called a 5 pitch. By this method a 12 pitch roof would be a 45 degree angle.
Roof pitch is calculated by measuring the distance that the roof raises over a distance of 12” so a roof that increases 5” in height over the length of 12” would be called a 5 pitch. By this method a 12 pitch roof would be a 45 degree angle.
3 pitch roofs are the lowest slope a shingle manufacturer will warranty. All areas under a 3 pitch must be completely covered in Ice and Water barrier to receive Infinite Roofing's 10 year in house warranty.
Most walkable roofs are around a 5 pitch. These roofs are completed the fastest due to easier mobility. Workers can stack materials on the roof without them sliding off so it makes everything easier. Roofs around a 7-8 pitch will still be able to be walked on but will no longer be able to hold materials in place which will cost more in labor time.
10 pitch and higher roofs are very difficult to walk on. This means more time has to be used to set up safety equipment. Steeper roofs are very dangerous and it is even more important to check the albany roofing contractors insurance. One wrong step and you could be held liable for any injuries on the job site. The longer time setting up safety equipment along with the slower mobility, these roofs can end up costing up to 2 times as much as a walkable roof.
You may want to only use a higher grade plywood when sheathing anything under a five pitch. If any areas of the roof are penetrated by water, the better plywood will absorb less water and last longer. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) board on anything less than a five pitch will absorb moisture and rot out sooner than higher grade plywood. It is safe to use OSB when replacing plywood on a six pitch and steeper roof.
Roof pitch will also affect your ice dams. A roof with over a 10 pitch roof will usually not have any big ice dams. Roofs with 3-5 pitch that have ventilation problems will have the worst ice dams. Albany roofing contractors will have to install six feet of ice and water barrier per code to prevent ice dams on steep roof slopes.
It's amazing the difference the slope of a roof can make
When deciding on buying a house. You may want to consider that a walkable roof is easier to self maintain than a steep one. DIY guys can climb up a ladder and do their own minor repairs if the roof is s low enough pitch. Having to call a roof repair expert every time a steep roof leaks can get costly.
Albany roofing contractors see the most diverse roofs. They must be well versed in flat rubber roofs all the way to the steepest slate roofs. Saratoga roofing companies are mostly used to roofing on steep pitched roofs while most Latham or Clifton Park roofing contractors are usually working on easy breezy 5 pitch roofs.
Since steep slope roofs are more difficult, it may be harder to find a roofing contractor to perform the work. Roofing contractors who only work on walkable roofs will not want to bid on steep roofs. Their crews are not experienced enough to make any money and they will have to charge higher than fair prices.
You can learn more about common roofing components, issues and terms by following these links
Whether you have a steep or low slope roof, a solar powered skylight would work best for allowing more light into a living space. Solar powered skylights can be utilized at any roof pitch and can even be installed where there is no existing skylight.
A large square footage, combined with a steep roof pitch can also affect the size of the gutter needed. A steeper, bigger roof may need a 6” gutter as opposed to a 5” gutter. If you are having any gutter related issues then Infinite Roofing will be glad to provide you with an estimate for a new gutter system.
Infinite Roofing & Construction
25 Walker Way, Ste 2A
Colonie, NY 12205
(office) 518-444-ROOF
(mobile) 518-221-1003
(email) info@infiniteroofingny.com
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