When it comes to having a new roof installed in Ann Arbor, a variety of factors must be taken into consideration by both you and the roofing crew. The materials used, the size of your home, and the pitch of your roof all play an important part in determining how the project will go and the price of it.
What is the roof pitch?
The roof pitch, or the slope, refers to the steepness of your home’s roof. Each home has a unique structure that requires a roof built at a specific angle to properly protect it from the outdoor elements. The pitch is measured by the slant upwards, so, for example, a flat roof has a pitch of 0 and so on. The steeper the pitch of your roof is, the more difficult it may be for roofers to replace it — which is why it plays such a large role in the overall cost.
How can the roof pitch affect the roof replacement cost?
Many people looking into home renovations and roof repair don’t realize that the pitch of their roof can affect the cost total of their overall roof replacement. Some of the reasons your roof pitch can change the price of an installation include:
- The materials needed
Every roof requires items such as nails or another underlayment in addition to the roofing to replace it properly. If you have a steep roof pitch, it can take more nails and other materials to ensure your roofing stays in place — which increases the cost. Roofs with a lower pitch don’t require as many nails and materials to keep the shingles in place. - The size and complexity of the roof being built
Your roof pitch also affects the overall roof square footage that needs to be replaced. Steeper roofs are often longer, which requires more material than flatter, small roofs. In addition, if your roof has peaks, curves, and other unique features, the complexity of the structure can also affect how expensive replacing it will be. - The steepness of your roof
Replacing roofs with steep pitches can be more expensive due to the difficulty of the job. Steep roofs are not only tricky to install, but they can also be extremely dangerous if you’re not careful. With increased difficulty and potential dangers for the workers, you can expect that more safety equipment is needed for them, in addition to prices being higher for the potentially dangerous work. - Installation methods used
Your roof pitch also affects how your contractors install your new roof. Roofs with smaller pitches that are flat can be installed much easier and don’t often require much in the way of materials. Once a roof begins to slope, the installation methods used have to change to ensure your roof continues to work properly. When installing a steep roof, roofers also often must use more materials, such as nails, to ensure the shingles or materials being used stay in place and can handle encountering elements like rain and snow. - Downspouts and size of gutters needed
The slope of your roof also has a large effect on your home’s gutters and draining capabilities. The steeper your roof is, the better it will be at getting rainwater and other debris quickly off of it. So, when your roof pitch is steep, you likely don’t need large gutters to help redirect the rainwater. If you have a flat roof, however, your home will be less efficient at draining excess water, which can cause buildups and issues quickly. Lower pitched roofs usually require larger gutters to assist in the draining process. - The attic and its ventilation
If you decide to change the pitch of your roof when it comes time to install, it’s important to note that it comes along with other regulations and safety precautions that need to be followed. For instance, a steeper roof often creates much more attic space. When an attic is large, you need to make sure it is getting the proper ventilation so that it doesn’t collect moisture. Because of this, your roofers might also have to install ventilation ports, fans, or other components to ensure your roof stays structurally sound.
Here at Mr. Roof in Ann Arbor, we know about the different factors that go into replacing your roof. With years of experience serving the area, our team is prepared to help take care of any of your roofing needs. Whether you have questions about our services or are looking for a free estimate, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
