The roof pitch is basically the measurement of your system’s steepness. Most experienced roofers in Maryland will note that it is an essential calculation that decides the kind of roofing that’s appropriate for your home or commercial property. The fact that miscalculated roof pitches could potentially void a roofing warranty underlines its importance.
The Basics of Roof Pitch
Roof pitch is expressed as the number of inches of rise your roof has for every 12 inches (one foot) of run. Pitch ranges vary among roofers and manufacturers, but generally:
Flat is typically in the ½:12 to 2/12 range and is commonly used on commercial properties. No roof is truly flat, however, as the slight slope is necessary for drainage/
Low slope is in the 2/12 to 4/12 range.
Conventional is in the 4/12 to 9/12 range. This is most commonly used on homes.
Steep slope has a roof pitch that’s over 9/12, sometimes reaching a 45-degree angle at 12/12.
Roof Pitch and Materials
Once the roof pitch is determined, the choice of roofing material that we may install can now be narrowed down. Here are your options:
Flat and low slope. Single-ply roofing systems like EPDM, TPO and PVC are best suited for nearly flat roofs. There is a greater emphasis on protection from pooling water, reduced solar heat absorption, and cost-effective roof repair in Maryland.
Conventional slope. This pitch is favored by many homeowners, as it is the optimal choice for aesthetically pleasing roofing materials like tile, slate and asphalt shingle. This is also advisable for shedding moderate amounts of rainwater runoff.
Steep slope. Buildings located in areas with large amounts of rain and snow greatly benefit from steep slope roofs. Lighter roofing materials like steel and shingles are best suited for this, as heavier material like tile and slate tend to fall off.
It also helps that you hire Maryland roofers certified by major manufacturers like GAF, CertainTeed and Tamko. If you want to know more about finding the roof pitch that’s right for your home, call DryTech Roofing today at (240) 491-5600 or fill out our contact form.