subject: Your Roof's Style And Pitch [print this page] Roofs are all differentRoofs are all different. They have different materials, overhangs, pitches, and styles. Each of these offer different benefits and advantages. Learning about your choices is the best way to start making your St. Paul roofing selections.
Pitch of the Roof:
The slope of roof has a great effect on your final roof. It will determine many things. The slope of roof will affect the volume of space inside your home, in other words the amount of space you have to heat and cool. It also affects drainage of water off your roof, what materials you choose for your St. Paul roofing cover, and of course the style of your roof.
You may also hear the slope of your roof referred to as the pitch. You can figure out the pitch of your roof by finding the rise in vertical inches for each 12 inches in horizontal length, also called a run. When defining the pitch of your roof there are several common options flat roofs, low slope, conventional slope, and steep slope.
The advantage of a conventional or steep slope is that you will be able to use tile or wood shingles. An increased slope of roof also means less maintenance in the long run. These roofs tend to last longer. While your initial costs on a steeper roof may be greater you will earn it back again over an extended roof life and lower repair and maintenance costs.
Pitch of the Roof Measurements:
This is a guideline for the measurements of pitches of roofs. These measurements are given rise/run. For example a measurement of 4/12 means the roof rises vertically 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal length.
Flat roof: 2/12
Low Slope: 2/12-4/12
Conventional Slope: 4/12-9-12
Steep Slope: 9/12-greater
Roof Styles:
Here is a guide to some of the common styles of roofs you may have available to choose from when constructing your new home.
Gable Roof: This is one of the very most common styles of roofs in the US. A gable roof is a triangle shaped roof. The shape of the roof allows for snow and rain to flow off of it very easily.
Cross Gable Roof: The same triangle shape as a Gable roof, this type of roof has two sections that cross each other. These perpendicular areas may be dormers, garages, entrances, or other features.
Mansard Roof: A Mansard roof is a French Gable roof. The thing that differentiates the two roofs is a Mansard roof has a flat top instead of forming a full triangle like a Gable.
Saltbox: Another take on a Gable roof. The main difference between this roof and a Gable roof is the two sides of a Saltbox roof are asymmetrical.
Shed Roof: A simple roof this style slants down in one direction allowing water and snow to flow off of it rapidly.
Flat Roof: This roof, as its name says, is flat. These roofs are easy to build and cost effective.
Gambrel: This roof resembles a bell when viewed from the side. The side view will be quite similar to a Mansard roof. Many barns feature this style of roof.
Dutch Colonial: A Dutch Colonial roof has a very steep pitch. The roof typically extends down and over the exterior of the entire second floor of the home.
The more you know about your St. Paul roofing the better your decisions will be. Style and pitch are two key elements.
