Roof Types

When looking at roofs, you might notice that they vary in their slope levels. You might see some that are flat and some might be almost straight up and down. Basically, there are 4 different roof types. They are:
 

—Flat
—Low Pitch
—Medium Pitch
—Steep Pitch

FLAT ROOFS:
Flat roofs have no slope to them at all. They are just as described—flat. There are a few roofing products that can be installed on flat roofs. I prefer to use a product manufactured by IB Roof Systems called PVC.

This product has been around for quite some time, used on commercial flat roofs and manufactured homes. It's use on residential flat roofs is steadily increasing. The price is somewhat more expensive than the other products used on flat roofs, but it does have a "lifetime" warranty—for as long as you own your home.

So if you plan on living there for a long time, this product is an excellent one to consider. It would definitely be an added investment to your home.

LOW PITCH:
Low pitched roofs have a slight slope to them and are definitely walkable. You might hear someone say that you have a 2/12 pitch or a 3/12 pitched roof. For the ones with less of a pitch, PVC roofing material mentioned above might be a good choice. As the pitch increases, an asphalt composition (CertainTeed or Elk Corp) is an excellent choice.

MEDIUM PITCH:
Medium pitch roofs are very common and found on the average rambler style home (on others as well). You can walk on a medium pitch roof, usually with no worries of sliding off or loosing your footing.

Asphalt composition is an excellent roofing material for medium pitch roofs. Composition is easy to maintain, it's walkable in almost any weather condition and it's very cost efficient. There are many styles of composition out there.

We prefer using a dimensional Composition (CertainTeed) over standard three tab shingles. The price is not much different and you get a roof with more of a shake feel to it. Other products that might be considered for a medium pitched roof are Cedar Shakes along with alternative shake (DaVinci Roofing Scapes) styles. 

 A Good Example of a Steep Pitch

STEEP PITCH:
Steep pitched roofs are becoming more and more common on the newer homes being built. "A-Framed" houses are a good example of a steep pitched roof. If you can't walk with normal footing on your roof then you just might have a steep pitch.

Depending on the type of look you want with your house and the type of maintenance you plan on doing with your roof will determine what roofing product is best for you. Dimensional Composition, Cedar Shakes, and Synthetic tiles are all fine choices.