Should You Consider Metal if You Have a Low Pitch Roof?
- On March 24, 2022
Many residential property owners in Ontario are choosing metal roofing systems for their homes and commercial buildings. The popularity of metal roofs is attributed to their durability, as they can last for over 50 years. Additionally, metal roof systems have low maintenance requirements compared to other roofing systems, are less susceptible to degradation, and are cost-effective. Read on to find out whether metal roofs are ideal for your low pitch roof.
How to Determi ne the Slope of a Roof
If you are uncertain about the pitch or slope of a roof structure, measuring it is relatively easy. To determine your roof pitch, you will have to measure how many inches the roof rises over every 12-inch run. With your measuring device, you should move 12 inches inward on your roof plane. When you reach 12 inches, ensure you mark it and measure how far the roof rises perpendicular to the ground level. For instance, if your roof rises 10 inches for every 12 inches, your roof pitch is 10/12. If you cannot reach the roof or feel uncomfortable because of the roof height, you can request metal roofing contractors like Ironclad Roofing to do the measurements.
What is a Low Slope Roof?
Low slope roofs are also known as flat roofs, but this does not mean that the roof is flat. Technically, a low slope roof means that the roof has a slope that is lower than 3/12. This means that for each horizontal foot that the roof has, it goes up vertically by less than 3 inches. Luckily, a good roofing contractor like Ironclad Roofing can explain these to you.
Low slope roofs have immense benefits, which makes them a popular choice for many property owners. They have simple geometry that makes them less costly to construct, and they will need fewer materials when compared to steep slope roofs, which reduces the material costs.
Minimum Slope Requirements for Low Slope Roofs
For low slope roofs, the minimum slope requirements largely depend on the building’s roof profile and the metal panels used. Before deciding, check with your roofing company to ensure that the materials you want are a perfect fit for the roofing system you want to install.
What is the Minimum Roof Pitch for Snow?
Roofs in snowy climates must have a slope of about 10-degrees minimum. Having steeper angled roofs can help shed snow more quickly, allowing it to move down the roof easily. Angled roofs can also handle higher loads of snow when compared to flat roofs.
Benefits of Low Slope Metal Roofs for Houses
Low pitch roofs have many benefits. They offer buildings a longer service life and are cost-effective to install. In addition, they are more sustainable and need less maintenance. Here are some of the benefits of low pitch metal roofs:
Overall Lower Cost
Using metal panels on your low-slope roof systems is cost-effective. Metal roofs are durable and sustainable and have minimal maintenance requirements and aversion to mold growth, rusting, and decay. As a result, residential property owners save money over time. Additionally, the ease of installing metal roofs helps to save money owing to fewer labour hours.
Less Stress on the Structure
Low slope metal roofs are lighter when compared to other roofing systems. With their lightweight characteristic, metal roofs are easier to install. Furthermore, metal roofs will put less stress on your home’s structure, making them extremely safe.
Energy Efficient
Metal is one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available today and can help you save on your energy costs. It also offers excellent insulation during the winter months. Homes with coloured metal roofing systems will reflect heat energy and cool the home by re-emitting most of the absorbed solar radiation. Metal roofing for houses can help to enhance energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.
Improved Heating and Cooling
Unlike steep roofs, low pitch roofs do not have additional space in their structure, which does not affect your cooling system’s operation. Low slope roofs restrict additional air and make the roofing structure easier to maintain comfort through different seasons. With metal roofs, attic temperatures can be lowered by 34%. The airspace between the roof deck and metal coating helps to block the transfer of heat by conduction, lowering the cooling load and reducing heating costs. Since your heating and cooling are improved, your AC will not have to work hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house, enhancing its longevity.
Hire Ironclad Roofing for Reliable Residential Metal Roofing Solutions
Ironclad Roofing has helped thousands of property owners choose and install the ideal roofing profile for their homes, garages, gazebos and other buildings. Our metal roofing products provide safety, reliability, and longevity to your property and are a perfect fit for low-slope roofing. Contact our team at 647-424-0341 to schedule your free consultation or to request a free estimate.
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