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Even if a roof appears at first glance to be flat, it will have a certain degree of pitch to allow for proper drainage of rain and snowmelt. If you’re having a new roof built or are replacing an old one, you’ll likely need help from an experienced roofing company to determine the right amount of steepness for your roof.

Below are some of the factors a roofing contractor will consider before recommending a roof pitch:

The climate in your area

If you live in an area that frequently experiences a lot of rain and/or snow, you’ll probably benefit from a steep-slope roofing system that has the ability to easily shed water and keep leakage to a minimum.

On the other hand, a roof with a low slope, efficient drainage system and robust support structure, is less likely to be prone to leaks.

When it comes to considering the climate with roof pitch, it’s important to look at the whole picture; a roof with a high slope and many valleys, may prove vulnerable to leaks into their many seams, and certain roofing materials may be more susceptible to wind uplift.

When discussing roof pitch with a local roofing company, they’ll help you make an informed decision that takes the local climate into consideration.

Curb appeal

The pitch of roof you ultimately opt for will also have a lot to do with the overall look of your home. Curb appeal is king when it comes to selling homes or making them blend in or stand out as appropriate, and many architects may never suggest combining a flat roof with an older property, or a highly pitched roof with a modern one, for example. However, as the homeowner, you can of course choose whatever pitch of roof you wish, as long as you fully understand the design and functional implications of both choices.

Use of space

Whether you choose a steeply pitched roof, or a flat one, both will give you an element of additional space, just not in the same place. A steeply pitched roof will give you a spacious attic, while a flat roof will give you additional outside space.

You may also want to consider whether you might want to have a solar system installed, in which case a low slope, flatter roof will be your best option.

Maintenance requirements

Flat roofs, while popular in their own right, do experience problems with pooling more than steeply pitched roofs, and as a result, may require more maintenance over their lifespan. That said, a steeply pitched roof made out of a material which isn’t as durable and hardwearing, may need to be repaired more often.

Ultimately, as far as maintenance requirements are concerned, the materials the roof is made out of will have a greater impact than the pitch alone.

Getting the right pitch for your roof is made easy when you consult with a best roofing company in your area. While the final decision is always yours to make, you should at least arm yourself with all the relevant information so that your final decision can be a well-informed one.

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