Pitch is one of the deciding factors when choosing a replacement roofing material. Your roof’s ability to shed water is directly affected by its steepness. The more knowledgeable you are about pitch, the easier it will be for you to decide on your roofing options. Exterior Building Solutions, one of the most trusted roofing companies in the area, explains roof pitch further so you’ll understand why its proper installation matters.

Why Does the Perfect Roof Pitch Matter?

The chief purpose of roof pitch is to remove rain and snow from your roof. Relying on gravity, steep-slope roofs dry naturally. For areas with a long wet season, pitching the roof high is ideal.

Finding the slope is the most accurate way to measure roof pitch. Slope is the ratio of the vertical distance (rise) to horizontal distance (run). For instance, a 6/12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of run. Generally, a low-slope roof ranges between 2/12 and 5/12. A roof beyond 5/12 is considered a high slope.

When the roof pitch is less than ideal for the area or when installed incorrectly, storm damage may become a bigger possibility. Measuring the pitch, however, requires using the ladder. To properly measure your system or make adjustments before a new roofing system is installed, it’s best to call a professional like Exterior Building Solutions.

How Does Pitch Affect the Material You Choose?

Every type of roofing has unique runoff properties. Some materials are better as steep-slope roofs as they drain rainwater and snowmelt really well. Extended exposure to moisture can damage your home, potentially compromising its structural integrity.

As a roofer that represents some of the industry’s top brands – including GAF, CertainTeed® and Owens Corning® – we know the most suitable roofing systems for particular pitches. By studying your home’s structure and keeping the local climate in mind, we can install the right products and keep leaks to a minimum.

Is It a Factor in Maintenance?

Experienced roofing companies like us recommend maintenance for any type of roof pitch. The frequency may vary depending on the material, the type of roofing issue and the existing maintenance plan. For a longer-lasting roofing system, you should leave it in the care of experts.

At Exterior Building Solutions, we’ve overcome different challenges and delivered flawless work no matter the issue, even the need for emergency roof repair. This has earned us several certifications and awards along the way. Call us today at (314) 470-8783 to talk about your project and get a FREE estimate. We’ll be happy to help homeowners in Chesterfield and other areas around St. Louis, MO.