Different Low Pitch Metal Roof Options in League City TX

Different Low Pitch Metal Roof Options in League City TX

A roof’s pitch refers to the level of incline in relation to the length of the roof. The higher the roof, the higher the slope of the structure. While most people use the terms “slope” and “pitch” in the same way. Slope actually refers to the angle of the roof covering whereas pitch pertains to the roof deck itself. However, since the slope of the roof is dependent on the pitch, the 2 terms refer to basically the same thing when the same roof is being talked about. 

Flat roofs are not completely flat and are one type of low pitch metal roof. While they may seem flat from a distance, most flat roofs still retain a low slope. The slope is necessary to make sure that any rainwater that lands on the roof will slide down to the rain gutters or straight off the side of the roof edge. Unfortunately, low pitch roofs are not as efficient in draining water away from the home. 

However, low pitch metal roofs are also easier to maintain and cost a lot less than most pitched roofs. Maintenance is made easier because it is significantly easier to walk on top of a flat roof than a pitched roof. Also, metal roofs are another typical choice, especially in the commercial industry where business owners are looking for more affordable options for almost everything – including roofing.

When it comes to installation, metal roofs are easier to install. Shingles, shakes, and other types of tiled roofing options take a lot longer because they have to be laid out tile by tile and nailed down securely to create the roof covering. On the other hand, a metal roof is simply cut and fitted on top of the roof deck. 

Flat Metal Roof Pros and Cons

The slope of a roof encourages water to flow off of the structure rather than gathering in a low spot and causing rot in the structure. A roof with little to no slope uses other methods to encourage proper drainage. These low slope roofs offer special advantages, but only to buildings designed to work with this type of roof.

Disadvantage: Limited Materials

Low slope roofs change how water flows off of the structure. High pitched roofs don’t let water sit, so asphalt shingles and other materials that overlap work well. On a roof with a lower pitch, standing water soaks between these materials. 

Advantage: Improved Heating and Cooling

A steeply sloped roof creates extra space in the structure. All of the space below the roof fills with air, changing how heating and cooling systems work. A low slope roof limits this extra air and makes a structure easier to keep comfortable throughout the seasons, according to RAM Buildings. Depending on the amount of slope, limited attic space still fits between the ceiling and the roof for storage or ductwork.

Advantage: Maintenance Requirements

Since water and ice sit on the surface of a low slope roof much longer than on one with a high pitch, the roofing materials receive more wear, which increases the maintenance requirements and associated costs over the lifespan of the structure. If rolled roofing materials are used, they will need annual cleaning and resealing. However, low slope roofs make maintenance easier because walking around on them is easier. The risk of slipping and falling off is much lower than on a steep roof.

Advantage: Installation Costs

A low slope or flat roof requires less material to build, lowering the overall installation cost, says RAM Buildings. Even if you choose a roofing material more expensive than the shingles that steep roofs use, the lower labor costs for low slope roofs offset the cost. The structure is easier to build because supports are installed from the sides of the building without workers having to lift up large trusses. Rolling out and sealing the roofing materials also takes less time than installing individual shingles.

Low Pitch Metal Roof Options

The installation or replacement of any type of roofing system with a low pitch metal roof requires some deep consideration. The best way to install this type of roofing material is to first prepare supporting standing seam panes. These should be installed over the open purlins of the roof foundation. An inexperienced roofer shouldn’t be left to work on this type of installation if you are looking to avoid long-term damage and a number of problems that are often caused by faulty installations. The seams should stand at a minimum 2-inch height. This is even more applicable for roofing systems with some of the lowest slopes. 

Indeterminate of your choice of metal roofing for either your home or commercial property, the actual slope of your roofing structure is important. There are certain standards that need to be maintained in order to avoid water pooling, formation of ice dams, and a number of other problems that can be blamed on a poorly built, substandard roof. In order to get the best out of your low pitch metal roof options, reaching out to a professional team of roofing League City TX contractors is your best course of action.