Houses with Steeply Pitched Rooves: A Comprehensive Guide

Houses with steeply pitched roofs are a thing of beauty, but they also come with their own set of challenges. These roofs are designed to shed snow and water quickly, but they can be a pain to clean and maintain.

A steeply pitched roof typically has an angle of at least 30 degrees, which allows snow to slide right off. This is especially important in areas with heavy snowfall, where a traditional roof could become weighed down and collapse.

These roofs are also known for their unique aesthetic appeal, with a more dramatic and rugged look that many homeowners love.

Recommended read: Calculating Snow Load on Pitched Roof

A steep pitch roof is a type of roof that's common in many American homes. It's characterized by its high slope, which allows for a mix of practicality and design.

The slope of a roof is measured in pitch, which is an industry term that represents the rise over run of the roof. In simpler terms, it's a fraction that shows how many inches the roof rises per 12 inches of width.

A different take: Minimum Slope for Pitched Roof

A steep pitch roof typically has a pitch of 7/12 or higher, which means for every 12 inches of width, the roof rises by 7 or more inches. This creates a dramatic and often visually appealing effect.

The width of a roof is not the same as its length, and measuring pitch requires considering the roof's height and width. For example, a roof with an 8/12 pitch means that for every 12 inches of width, the roof rises by 8 inches.

A steep pitch roof can be found in many types of buildings, from homes to barns, and it's often a popular choice for homeowners who want a unique and eye-catching design.

Intriguing read: Roof Pitch

For a house with a steeply pitched roof, you'll want to focus on materials that can withstand the unique demands of this type of roof.

You can choose from various steep pitched roof materials, such as asphalt shingles, which are a popular and affordable option, or metal roofing, which is durable and resistant to weathering.

When selecting materials, it's essential to talk to professional roofers about what type of roofing material is best for your steep pitch roof, as they can assess your home's design and provide expert advice.

A steep pitch roof is a versatile option that allows for both practicality and design. It's common in typical American suburbs and rural areas.

Measuring a steep pitch roof involves understanding the concept of pitch, which is represented as rise over run, with the height as rise and the width as run. The denominator is always 12, representing a foot or 12 inches.

A roofing professional is best suited to measure your roof pitch, as it can be extremely dangerous to do so yourself. They have the knowledge, equipment, and experience to perform accurate measurements.

Steeply sloped post frame roofs are possible, but they can be more challenging to fabricate and ship. Many truss manufacturers are limited to trusses with a 12-foot overall height due to their equipment.

A 4/12 slope is a common design solution due to its cost-effectiveness. However, steeper slopes often allow for smaller components, but they can cause challenges in fabrication and shipping.

In some cases, a steeper slope can increase loads on wall columns, but it's not prohibitively expensive.

Related reading: Modern Hip Roof Designs

Steep pitch roofs need extra attention because they can be dangerous to be on in case of a slip or fall. Safety for both your family and workers is a priority.

Knowing your roof pitch will help determine what roofing materials you can use. Not all roofing materials are suited for different pitches.

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of steep slope roofing systems. They are practical, come in a variety of colors, and are relatively fast to install.

Slate shingles are heavy, but they have many benefits, including protecting your roof from water buildup and rot, as well as fire damage. They're a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly roofing solution.

Metal roofs are a popular option for both residential and commercial buildings. They can be installed on extremely steep pitched roofs and are made from durable, energy-efficient material.

Here are some options for steep pitched roof materials:

Natural slate pitched roofs last far longer than other ones, making them a durable and long-lasting option.

Wood shakes are a unique option for homeowners looking for a distinctive design. Each shingle is different because they're made from split logs.

They're a sustainable choice, making them a reliable option for the environmentally-conscious homeowner. Wood shakes have a natural, rustic look that adds character to any home.

Their durability is impressive, with some wood shakes lasting for decades with proper maintenance. With a wide range of styles and colors available, you can find the perfect wood shake to match your home's design.

Check this out: Grass Roof House Design

Your roof is your home or business's main source of protection from the elements. Here at Wilson Brothers Roofing, we believe a well-maintained roof is essential for a safe and secure living or working space.

A roof coating can help extend the life of your roof by 10-20 years, depending on the quality of the coating and the condition of the roof before application.

Roof coatings are available in various types, including acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane.

Having a house with a steeply pitched roof comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.

Safety is a top priority, especially on steep pitch roofs, which can be hazardous to navigate. Knowing the roof pitch is essential to be fully equipped to do a roofing job, especially on steep roofs.

A steep pitch roof allows for better water runoff than low pitch roofing, thanks to gravity. Water can easily flow down your roof instead of pooling in flatter spots.

Knowing your roof pitch will help determine what roofing materials you can use, and which are best for your roofing project. For example, you wouldn't use flat pitch membrane roofing material for a steep slope.

Here's a quick rundown of the benefits of steep pitch roofs:

Pricing can also be affected by the roof pitch, as it determines how much material is needed and how much installment time is necessary.