How slope impacts a roofing project

By ASC Building Products.  

Understanding the slope of a roof is key to designing an effective roof system.  

There are many important factors to consider when installing a roof, but one of the most crucial factors is the slope of the roof. Knowing the slope of the roof is crucial to the success of a project, but it is a factor that can easily be overlooked. When you are examining different products and materials to use in a project, you might be asked for the slope measurements. Learning how to find these measurements is the key to project success!  

The experts at ASC Building Products have all the information you need to understand this part of the roofing system! First, the term “slope” used in roofing is the same as the slope you were taught about in grade school. The slope of a line is mathematically calculated as “rise over run” (change in y divided by change in x) and the slope of a roof is a similar idea. Basically, your roof’s slope is how steep it is.  

Why slope is important 

The slope of your roof is very important, in fact it’s considered the primary factor in roof design. The slope can also determine what kind of roofing materials you can or should use on a particular design. Our products’ recommended slopes are defined to ensure effective rainwater removal while helping the roof panel joints above the water line and remain as watertight as possible. Also be advised of any minimum slope requirements that may exist with your building codes. 

How slope impacts costs 

To speak generally, the steeper the roof, the greater the cost. Keep in mind material, installers fees and other aspects can greatly affect the cost of a metal roofing project. 

Low-slope roofs tend to cost around 10% more than flat-roof but steep-slope roofs can run you as much as 20-30% more. If you are seeking an especially dramatic slope or specialty design, expect to pay even more. It is always recommended that you look around and get several estimates from reputable installers and dealers before making a significant investment such as a metal roof. Ask questions, gather info and you can always reach out to ASC Building Products with any questions you may have about our products or the design of your roof. As a trusted partner, we are committed to offering solutions and educating customers. 

What’s the difference between slope and pitch? 

“The term ‘pitch’ and ‘slope’ are often used interchangeably, which is incorrect. They do not mean the same thing. And slope provides more valuable information than pitch,” clarifies an article by NACHI. “Slope is the ratio measured in inches per foot. Because slope affects how water is shed from a roof surface.” Overall, slope provides you with more information than pitch, hence it’s the measurement we focus on. 

How do I find the slope myself? 

Finding slope is a rather straight forward and easy thing you can do yourself. Simply hold a measuring tape or ruler straight out for a one-foot section and measure straight up to find the rise of that area.  There are also a variety of online calculators such as this one here that allow you to easily estimate your roof’s slope, pitch and other valuable measurements. 

Conclusion 

In summary, finding the slope of your roof is quick, easy and provides you with important measurements to aid you in designing your metal roof system. Not all products are appropriate for all roof slopes, so it is important to address this consideration early in the planning process. To help you with your next step, check out our free Online Visualizer or our Product Finder to match you with the best possible metal roof. 

Original article source: ASC Building Products