What is roof pitch, and why is it important to your home? This is a question that will most likely never cross your mind unless you are about to undergo a large roof renovation. It is important because it affects everything from the materials that can be used to re-roof your home to the size of gutters that may be needed to protect your home from water damage.
What is Roof Pitch?
Roof pitch has nothing to do with sound, nor is it like a sales pitch! In complex terms, it is the angle of incline, which is calculated by taking the vertical rise (how tall your roof is) and dividing it by the horizontal span. In the most simple terms: the pitch is how steep your roof is. A roof with a greater pitch will be sloped more than roof with a small pitch.
Imagine looking at a hill. If it’s steep and intimidating, it has a large pitch. If it slopes very gently, it has a low pitch.
Why is This Important to Your Home?
If you’re wondering why the pitch of your roof matters, you’re not alone. It’s a fairly common question roofing contractors are asked when it comes to rebuilding a roof. There are a few things that are determined by the pitch of your roof.
Pitch Determines the Correct Materials to Use
Notice how we used the word correct, and not best. This is something we can not decide for you, it is up to personal preference. The pitch of your roof can actually dictate which materials can and cannot be installed. Installing incorrect materials can lead to hazardous conditions and can even void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you responsible for the full repair and replacement material costs.
Make sure you discuss with your roofing contractor which materials can be installed safely on your roof.
Pitch Helps Avoid Water Damage and Other Issues
If there was only one reason why your roof has a pitch, it could be described with a single word: runoff. Roofs are pitched in order to allow water and debris to fall freely into your gutters or off the side of your home. If your roof was flat, you would need to frequently head on up there to clean off the leaves, sticks, dirt, etc.
Since runoff is a result of roof pitch, remember that it also determines the size of your gutters. The greater the roof pitch, the faster water will flow into your gutters. Gutters that are too small, or not pitched enough themselves, can lead to water spilling out of them and down the side of your home. If you increase the pitch of your roof, make sure your gutters can handle the extra load.
Pitch Can Determine Attic Space
The pitch of your roof can also affect your attic space. If you don’t have an attic space and are seeking to have one put in, the height and pitch of your roof will need to be increased. This is a big project, but it absolutely can be done if you consult with the right contractors.
If you are looking to replace your roof, contact our team for a free quote and consultation!
