Minimum Roof Pitch For Snowy Climates

Asphalt shingles continue to be the most widely installed roof covering option in north america.

Minimum roof pitch for snowy climates.

If water does not properly run off of a roof it will begin to seep in causing rot interior damage and possibly dangerous black mold. Minimum pitch metal roof snow metal roofing system when properly designed and installed is famous for its strong performance against harsh climate environments. This month we ll examine the design of metal roof systems for cold seasons aided by the metal construction association s helpful guide guidelines for commercial roofing. Flat roofs are common with industrial buildings boasting wide roof spans and are also popular in dry climates for houses where there is no need for the roof to help disperse rain and snow.

Importance of a roof pitch. Metal roof design for cold climates. The minimum roof pitch is also subject to the standards set forth by the various building codes used in the respective regions. The purpose of pitching a roof is to enable water and snow to run off so the greater the amount of rain and or snow an area receives the greater the amount of pitch needed for the roof.

The short simple answer is 2 12 has traditionally been considered the absolute minimum acceptable roof slope suitable for asphalt shingles. This will extend the life of your roof. If you are building a new roof however consider the climate to determine the correct pitch and proper materials. There are several other factors that add up to this quality certainly such as proper slope snow loading requirements or the snow guard usage.

Even in these arid regions so called flat roofs are still installed with a slight pitch to keep water from pooling on top of the structure. The chief reason for having a roof pitch is to redirect water and snow away from the roof and avoid any percolation that might result from stagnation of water on the roof. The safest way to determine the pitch of an existing roof is to measure from inside your attic using a level tape measure and pencil. The key factors are usually snow loading requirements adequate slope and the use of snow guards when needed.

If these issues are addressed during the design stage and the roofing contractor does his job these systems will almost always perform as intended. They provide excellent weather resistance great value and now more than ever a tremendous range of beautiful designs and color blends.