Have you ever walked through a housing street with a variety of buildings? What do you notice at first glance? The roof shapes often catch the attention first. A roof completes our home in different ways, shapes, and forms. Many homeowners pay special attention to their roof slope and shape. But what roof types and shapes do you think will complement your house? Should you go for a triangle or curved roof?
This blog will focus on the significance of roof pitches and how they enhance your curb appeal. We’ll show you how to calculate the pitch of a roof. So, let’s begin with a clear difference between a steep and a low-sloped roof.
Difference Between A Steep And A Low-Slope Roof
Many homeowners find themselves stuck here. What type of roof will suit their home best? But before this, what makes a steep roof different from a sloped roof? It’s the pitch. Steep roofs follow the 4:12 rule, which means for every 12 inches of horizontal run of a roof, the pitch will be 4 inches high.
A low sloped roof pitch is less steep than compared of a steep one. So, here is a detailed difference between both of them:
| Feature | Steep Slope Roof | Low Slope Roof |
| Appearance | Sharp, high angle | Flat or gently sloping |
| Water Drainage | Fast drainage | Slow drainage |
| Cost | Usually more expensive to build | Affordable |
| Maintenance | Hard to climb or clean | Easier to climb and maintain |
| Roofing Material | Shingles and tiles | Metal or other types |
A report by Houzz U.S. Renovation Trends suggests that the percentage of homes with mixed pitch has increased to 15% as compared to 2020.
Also Read : The Impact of Choosing the Perfect Roof Colors
Calculating roof pitch
How can you calculate the pitch of your roof? Pitch is the ratio between the rise and run of your home. You can also calculate your roof pitch by following the 4:12 ratio.
Here’s how to calculate it:
- First, measure the horizontal distance of the roof (run)
- Also, measure the vertical length of rise from the run
- Divide the rise by the run to get a value.
- Then, multiply this value by 12 to calculate the pitch of your roof.
People opt for different pitches on roofs depending on their home style and design needs. However, many studies suggest that a 4:12 ratio is ideal for roofs and also provides better water drainage.
Measure the Roof Pitch From the Top of the Roof
You can also measure the pitch by climbing over the roof with a level and a measuring tape.
- First, hold the level straight, horizontal to your slope.
- Mark the 12 inches as the run.
- Then, hold the level and point the measuring tape from the bottom of the level upward until it crosses the level.
- As a result, where the measuring tape meets the level, it’s your rise.
Low Roof Slopes
Many homeowners opt for steep roofs among different slopes due to their high drainage ability, but low roof slopes also offer multiple benefits to homes.
Advantages of Low Roof Slopes
These types of roofs are easy to install and also require less manpower. It means your labor cost will be saved. Moreover, it provides coverage to large horizontal roofs with less steep slopes. So, there’s no need for rafters and hangers for support in these low-roof slopes.
Although it appears flat, it helps regulate indoor temperature year-round according to the external temperature.
Disadvantages of Low Roof Slopes
A low-slope roof provides poor drainage and a small attic area. So, they aren’t recommended for snowy areas because snow can accumulate in bulk over these roofs.
Further, you can’t use shingles or tiles for these low-slope roofs because they sometimes overlap due to the expansion of roofing material. These roofs also require regular inspection due to the high leakage risk.
Also Read : How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost in 2025?
Roof Shapes
Have you ever seen two buildings with different roof shapes? Many homeowners opt for different roof shapes to add a modern, elegant touch to their house’s exterior.
Types of Roof Shapes
So, here are the most popular roof shapes in Norwalk, Connecticut:
- Gable Roof (Triangle Roof): The Gable roof is the most popular roof shape in the US. Many homeowners opt for this neutral roof type because it goes with every trend. It also offers great drainage and doesn’t let snow accumulate in winter.
A survey of the US Census Housing reveals that Gable roofs are the most popular roof shape among 70% of US residents.
- Hip Roof: A hip roof resembles a pyramid in which four slopes run down to the four walls of the home. But it doesn’t include any vertical ends.
- Flat Roof: Many homeowners opt for flat roofs due to their simple design and space effectiveness. However, it is common among homeowners planning to add a double-story over a single one.
- Curved Roof: A curved roof structure differs from a roof gradient and a flat roof in its structure. In that type of roof, experts maintain a little inward or outward curve. It’s mostly seen in domes.
- Gambrel Roof: In a Gambrel roof, two slopes run on two sides, and the lower slope is steeper than the upper one. So, it provides enough space for a storage area like an attic.
- Mansard Roof: This shape of roof has four sides that run to four walls of the home. It provides an extra attic area where you can store your things peacefully.
- Shed Roof: Shed roofs differ from all above mentioned roof shapes. The rafters and slope don’t run from the ridge point in the center of the building. But their slope runs to one wall, creating a roof angle of 14 to 45 degrees.
- Butterfly Roof: A butterfly roof contains two slopes running toward the ridge point. Thus, it creates a space for water storage.
Uncommon Roof Styles
Here are some roof shapes that are not too common to build because of the expense and maintenance requirements:
- Castle Roof: Castle roofs are expensive to build because of the high labor and material costs. So, you have to purchase wooden beams, tile, and thatch to achieve the turret look.
- Curved Roof Structure: Curved roofs are popular among many US homeowners due to their inward and outward curve structure. So, they install these roofs to achieve domed-like roof shapes.
- A Frame Roof: This type of roof is built for homes with small surface areas and for residents of harsh weather. It’s a high, steep A” structure that doesn’t allow the snow to accumulate over it. But it looks awkward in urban areas due to its unrealistic shape.
Also Read : The Structure of a Residential Roof
Which Roof Is Best For Me?
Are you looking for the best roof among all the choices mentioned above? Then, it might not be easy for you because all of these roof shapes and types come with different pros and cons. You have to decide on your roof shape types depending on your weather and budget considerations.
At Rick’s Main Roofing, we offer commercial, residential, and emergency roof repairs. So, if you are too confused to select the roof type, contact us for complete guidance and customer support. Rick’s Main Roofing, as your local partner, is always ready to serve you in Connecticut.
FAQs
What is the difference between a steep and a low-slope roof?
The major difference between a steep and a low slope roof is pitch. A steep roof follows the 4:12 rule, but a low-slope roof doesn’t follow this rule.
How do I calculate roof pitch?
Measure your horizontal distance, known as the run, and then calculate the rise. After it, divide the rise by run and multiply the resulting number by 12 to get the pitch value.
What are the advantages of low-slope roofs?
It saves you money on rafters and hangers. Moreover, there’s no need to hire more laborers as they can easily build roofs.
What are the most common roof shapes?
The most common roof shapes include gable, flat, curved, and hip roofs.
What factors should I consider when choosing a roof design?
Make sure to check your budget, weather conditions, and home structure before finalizing the roof design.
