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Roof Slope and Style Guide From ImproveNet

Your guide to understanding types of roofs and potential issues with various styles.

If you've noticed water collecting on your roof, the problem is probably with the slope. As well as determining drainage, slope also affects style. Changing the framing of the roof, changes slope. Roof slope can dramatically affect installation and repair. In fact, the slope of a roof can determine the kind of roofing material you use.

Hip roof with dormers. Click here to visit our roofing advice pages. There are two main categories of roofing: sloped and flat. The slope of the roof is often referred to as the pitch as well. The roof slope, or pitch, is determined by the rise and the run of the roof. Rise and run can be determined by the following formula: A roof with a 7/12 slope means that for every 12 inches horizontally (Run), it rises 7 inches.


A flat roof is considered to be a slope of 2/12 or less. Where the run always remains constant at 12 inches, (so for every 12 inches of run we can then measure the rise over that distance in inches). A low slope roof is anywhere from 2/12 to 4/12. Conventional slope roof is 4/12, and anything more than 9/12 is considered steep. Steeper sloped roofs are considered more aesthetically pleasing and last longer too. These benefits do not come Need help determining the kind of roof you have? Click here for a guide on:

Roof Type   Slope
cheaply though. A 12/12 roof can cost up to 50% more than a 4/12 roof. This is because a steep sloped roof requires a taller chimney and more lumber for framing. However, the end result may be well worth it as your roofing material is estimated to last up to 50% longer and will require less maintenance.

Click here to find a roofing contractor now.


• Reasons for Roof Repair • Repair vs. Re-roof • Covering/Roofing Materials • • Roof Slope and Style • Roof Ventilation • Roofing Maintenance and Tips •




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