There are a number of different roofing materials you can choose to use. Every material will come with its pros and cons, but before making a final decision, any homeowner will want to measure their roof’s pitch first. Measuring pitch is also a good idea in case you cannot decide between several different options. Between asphalt and metal, there are various ways to build a roof, and pitch can help narrow down your options.
The first thing you will need to do in this process is get a professional roofer out to your property to measure the pitch of your roof. It is dangerous to get a ladder and attempt to do this task by yourself. You also may not have the exact tools required to get an accurate measurement. A roofer also knows what pitch values correlate to. Roof pitches are always written as fractions with the horizontal length of the roof being the denominator while the vertical height is the numerator. For example, roofing that is six feet high and 12 feet wide would have a pitch of 6/12.
A pitch between 1/12 and 3/12 should not have shingles because it will be difficult for the structure to move moisture, increasing the chances of mold. Composite or asphalt shingles work well for roofs with a pitch between 4/12 and 12/12. Additionally, roofs between 5/12 and 12/12 often get slate shingles or wood shakes. These materials are great for steep roofs because they promote adequate water drainage. They may leak on flatter types of roofs.
A roofer should write down the pitch of your roofing anyway when he or she comes out for the initial inspection. It is best to get this job done early on before you become too attached to a specific type of roof material. Roof installations are tough jobs, and you want to make sure yours will last for decades.