All roofs, even those that appear completely flat, have a certain pitch to drain rain and snowmelt. The pitch affects how your roof performs and looks. To determine the right amount of steepness for your roof, DryTech Roofing recommends considering these factors:
Local Climate
Generally, steep-slope roofing systems are more suitable for areas that get a lot of rain and snow. They have the benefit of gravity to shed water easily and minimize leakage. Low-slope roofs, however, aren’t necessarily a structural liability. With an efficient drainage system and sturdy support, flat-roofed homes won’t be prone to leaks.
The overall design of the roof matters, and pitch is only one of its elements. High-slope roofs with many valleys can be vulnerable to water leakage into their many seams. Plus, the greater the slope, the more susceptible roofing materials will be to wind uplift.
Curb Appeal
Many architecturally savvy roofing companies would say that traditional homes and flat roofs are mutually exclusive. It just looks weird for Victorian homes and Capes Cods to know have pronouncedly pitched roofs. On the contrary, contemporary home designs usually lean toward low-slope roof styles.
However, many owners of traditional homes these days love to combine high- and low-slope roofs because of the inherent benefits of both.
Space
Any roofing company would attest that all roofs, regardless of the steepness, provide space. Your choice of slope only depends on where you want to enjoy the extra room. Steeply pitched roofs make spacious attics while flat roofs offer an additional outdoor area.
If you have plans to retrofit a green or solar roofing system to your home, a low-slope roof is your safer bet. Apart from placing bulky HVAC equipment, it can also extend your living space outside with a patio, mini garden or partially enclosed room.
Maintenance
By and large, flat roofs need attention from professionals more frequently because they usually don’t drain water efficiently. At the end of the day, though, the amount of maintenance your roof needs depends on its materials.
Let DryTech Roofing help you determine the most suitable pitch for your roof. Call us at (240) 491-5600 to talk about your roofing needs in Maryland and to get a free estimate.