Roof Pitch Explained

Category: Roofing • June 21, 2021

Even if you drive by a house and notice the pitch of the roof, you might not know it’s called “pitch.” No big deal when you’re out looking at houses, but it is a big deal when it comes to buying a home.

What is roof pitch?

Pitch refers to the slant or steepness of a roof, commonly expressed as a fraction. It represents the ratio of the ridge height to the building’s width. The most common pitch for residential homes is between one sixth through one half – the higher the value, the steeper the roof.

How does pitch differ from slope?

Though often used interchangeably, pitch and slope are quite different. While pitch is the measurement of the rise of a roof (ridge height) to the span (width) of a home, slope refers to the rise of a roof compared to its run – the distance from the outside of one wall’s top plate to a point below the center of the ridge. In homes with asymmetrical roofs, where the ridge is offset to one side rather than in the center, slope is the more useful measurement.

Why is roof pitch and slope so important?

The angle of a roof impacts the roof’s appearance, weather performance, and durability. It also affects drainage, maintenance, walkability, and even the type of roofing materials to be used.

Think about the primary purpose of a roof – to protect your home from the elements. This includes redirecting water and snow away from and off the roof so it doesn’t accumulate and cause cracks, leaks, water damage, mold, and in extreme cases, roof collapse. Higher-pitched roofs reduce the risks associated with drainage problems. However, they are harder to walk on during routine maintenance and repairs than the more common lower-pitch roofs

Another factor to consider is attic space. A higher-pitched roof can provide valuable storage space in the attic along with more space for an attic conversion.

No matter what kind of roof you have, Zaman Roofing is always on hand to repair or replace yours to the absolute highest standards of quality. Call and let us know how we can help.