How Roof Pitch and Materials Impact Roof Repair

Every part of your home is important, but your roof is the main defense you have against the elements. Maintaining your roof means understanding roof styles and materials. Then, you know what kind of contractor would be best for any roof replacement or repair.

 

Types of Roofing

Any roof that isn’t flat is considered pitched. The pitch of a roof is represented by two numbers which dictate the rise and run. A 12/12 roof has equal rise and run and makes a 45 degree at the top. Most roof pitches are between 4/12 and 8/12 because this is a good range for shedding water. Even though “flat” would mean no rise whatsoever, a roof at 1/12 pitch is technically considered flat. Water is the main concern when you have a flat roof. Since water doesn’t flow easily off a flat roof, the material is very important.

 

Types of Material

Different materials have specific strengths and weaknesses which is important to know when contracting for roof repair. For example, tiles made from concrete, clay and other materials should only be replaced with the same material. Mixing materials on a tile roof can lead to uneven water protection.

 

The most common type of roofing material is 3-tab composition shingles. They typically have a 20 year warranty and are inexpensive when compared to other materials. The triple-layer of protection gives you extra security against weather and an additional layer of a random sawtooth pattern gives your roof a non-repeating look that hides small defects. This random pattern is good for defects that are visual only, anything large enough to need addressing would still be visible.

 

Roof replacement is a complex task which should only be undertaken by an experienced contractor. Whether you just need roof repair or a complete replacement, first learn a few things about your roof so you can hire a contractor experienced with the pitch and materials you roof uses.