When deciding on a new home design, dozens of considerations come into play – from the architectural style that fits your personality (and budget) to the location where you’re building. One of the factors that you may not have considered, but should, is the question of whether to include a steep roof in your design.
Why?
Because there are a number of steep roof pitch advantages that you’ve likely never thought about. From greater energy efficiency to less sun damage, steep roofs are better than their gradual competitors in numerous different areas.
And even if you’ve never thought about building an A-frame or gothic home, you should know that steep roofs can come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and styles. And they all enjoy the steep roof benefits we’re going to discuss today.
So, what exactly is a steep roof?
Most people would consider any roof that has a rise/run ration over 6:12 as a ‘steep roof.’ That would be a roof that rises six inches for every foot it runs across. Today, most residential roofs rarely go over a 12:12 pitch, though older homes often had a more extreme pitch.
The reason for dramatic pitches in the past is simple. Steep pitch roofs last longer and have a number of other clear advantages over more gradually pitched roofs. So, why steep pitch roofs? Check out the advantages below!
Steep Roof Pitch Advantages
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They’re More Energy Efficient
Yes, steep roofs are more energy efficient than their more gradual peers. Steep roofs give you the advantage of a cold roof system – an important feature of any home that’s in a colder climate. Cold roof systems allow air to flow between the roofing tiles and the timber that’s above your home’s ceiling. Without a cold roof system, the heat inside your home escapes into the roof and leaves you paying to keep your roof warm. Obviously, this leads to higher heating bills and a less energy efficient home.
In addition to this, a cold roof system cuts down on the amount of ice damage your home experiences. With a warm roof, snow and ice will melt as the heat in your home warms your roof. That snow will melt and begin to drain to the cooler edges of your roof where it will refreeze. All this freezing and refreezing will end up doing major damage to your home over the long haul.
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More Living & Storage Space
If you’re like most people, you probably have more stuff than you really know what to do with. And in addition to the jumble of stuff in your junk drawer, you likely have boxes of old toys… or old photographs… or old electronics… or any number of other stuff that you don’t want to get rid of, but also don’t really need cluttering your living space.
A steep roof can give you the advantage of additional storage space that you wouldn’t otherwise have. Attics can make a major difference in keeping your home tidy and livable.
And even if you don’t have a problem with storing all your old junk, a steep roof can give you the benefit of additional living space when finished. You can turn the area under your steep roof into a stylish loft or self-contained apartment. Steep roofs give you the advantage of more space and more options.
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Fewer Leaks
When rain falls on a gradually sloping roof, it pools, adding stress to the roof and even seeping down through any spaces into the area under the roof. Over time, this can lead to major structural damage and can leave you with leaks.
Steep roofs rarely have this problem. Because they’re so much steeper, rain doesn’t have the chance to create puddles. Instead, the water quickly runs off the roof and into gutters where it’s properly drained and isn’t given the chance to do damage to your home. This minimizes roof damage and leaks.
And since steep roofs tend to drain more effectively, you can also use them to collect rainwater more effectively. So, not only will the rain not wreak havoc, you’ll be able to use it for your benefit. It’s just one more advantage to steep roofs.
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Reduced Snow Damage
If you live in a colder climate, snow’s likely a normal part of your life. You’ve learned to drive in it. You’ve got the equipment to quickly remove it from your driveway. And you have all the right accessories to stay warm – even when it’s freezing outside.
But what you may not have considered is the damage that snow can do to a gradual pitch roof. When snow collects, it can be incredibly heavy. And all that extra weight can do a real number on your home. Steep roofs use gravity to keep snow from building up. This not only helps maintain the structural integrity of your home by the lack of weight, it also means that you’ll experience fewer problems associated with snow – like leaks, etc.
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Superior Durability
The end result of everything else we’ve discussed is simply that steep pitch roofs last longer. You won’t have to deal with snow or water damage. And since they’re steeper, the sun won’t hit them as hard when it’s at its strongest. So, you won’t have to deal with as many repairs, replacements, or problems. Instead, you can enjoy the superior space that a steep roof affords right alongside its greater durability.
So, will a steep roof last longer? Absolutely! It will be easier to maintain, will hold up better against bad weather – including heavy snow and rainfalls, and will help you save money on heating and cooling costs. The advantages of a steep roof far outweigh its single drawback: it’s a little more expensive upfront.
But if it fits your budget and style considerations, there’s simply no reason not to choose a steep pitch roof.
