Superior Construction

If you’re planning a roof replacement this season, one of the most important factors you’ll have to consider is material. After all, your choice will determine just how long your new roofing system lasts or how well it performs. Roofing materials abound in today’s market, but choosing the right one for your home is tougher than what you might expect. It may seem like you have infinite choices–from lightweight asphalt shingles to sleek metal roofing. There’s one element, however, that will ultimately limit your options–the roof pitch. One of the area’s trusted residential roofing contractors, Superior Construction Co. expounds on this here.

What is the Roof Pitch?

This refers to the angle, slope or slant of your roofing system. The primary function of the roof pitch is to redirect water and snow. When a roof is pitched properly, it will shed rainwater and snow from the surface of the system instead of allowing them to accumulate. This prevents roof damage and significantly reduces the potential for leaks.

Roof Pitches and Residential Architecture

Most home styles have a roof pitch that falls between the 4/12 ratio, which indicate a moderate slope and 8/12, which is fairly steep. There are also extreme roof slopes that look almost flat. This is more common in fashionable Modern or Contemporary homes, where a low-slope roof suits their smooth lines and shapes. Some roofs also slant down at a perfect 45-degree angle. High-pitched roofing is a staple in Victorian-era homes, which emphasize sharp angles and asymmetrical design elements. If you’re having a new home built from the ground up and have already decided on an architectural style, consult Superior Construction Co., one of the premier residential roofing contractors in the area, to determine the proper roof pitch.

Recommended Pitch Ranges for Different Roof Options

The pitch of your existing roof system generally dictates what type of material you should choose. Picking one that doesn’t suit the roof slope might negatively affect how the system channels rainwater or snow from its surface. Check out the suggested pitch ranges for a couple of roofing materials:

From .25/12 to 3/12

Because of their lower angles, you’ll usually find them on Modernist homes, industrial buildings or shacks. The roofing materials that best suit these pitch ranges may include:

1. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), which is pure rubber roofing that is generally applied through adhesives or mechanical anchors. It allows for easy installation and superior weather protection. One of the top commercial roofing contractors in the area, Superior Construction Co. offers this exceptional roofing choice. With our top-tier product and professional installers, we’ll keep your property dry and leak-free.
2. Standing Seam Metal, which is composed of aluminum or steel panels joined together in raised seams. It offers natural reflective properties that help keep your building cool and comfortable.
3. Built-Up, which is also known as tar-and-gravel roof. It consists of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics.
4. Torch-down, which refers to a single-layer membrane-style material that is heat-activated by a torch during application. Consult the leading commercial roofing contractors in the area, Superior Construction Co. to see if this is a good option for your building.

From 2.5/12 to 19/12

A roof with this pitch range makes it eligible for clay or concrete tiles. Just make sure, however, to have double underlayment installed for roof slopes ranging from 2.5/12 to 4/12. Avoid using tiles for pitches beyond 19/12 because the material can rattle on steeper roofing.

4/12 to 20/12

With this range, more roofing options become available to you. The standard choice is asphalt shingles which grace thousands of homes across the country because of its versatility, performance, and cost efficiency.  If you plan to get asphalt shingles for your roof, you’ll want to work with a trusted company that carries products from top manufacturers and can install them perfectly right the first time. You only need to search “premier residential roofing contractors near me” and go from there.

5/12 to 12/12

Wood shakes and slate are great choices for this roof pitch range. They offer a lovely and elegant look to homes, making them a classic favorite. While shakes and slates can also be used in slopes where asphalt shingles belong, anything lower-slope is a no-go because these materials are more prone to leaks. 

Just look up “residential roofing contractors near me” and Superior Construction Co. will be top of the list. When you work with us for your roof replacement project, expect only a smooth and worry-free process. We proudly serve Groton, MA, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (978) 807-1401 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.