Low Pitch Roof | Low Roofing Tile

Low Pitch Roof Tiles

The roof pitch is the angle / steepness of the roof bearers from top to bottom. Roof pitches will determine the amount of head room there will be in a room under the roof. This is more of an important factor when planning a loft conversion or single story extension. Generally, roofs below 22.5 degrees pitch are considered to be a low pitch roof. Low-pitched roofs are more vulnerable to leaks and may require more frequent maintenance than steeper roofs. However, they can still be an attractive and functional option for many homeowners. When choosing a roof pitch, it is important to consider both aesthetic and practical concerns. With a little research, you can find the perfect balance for your home.

Major Concern of Low-Slope clay Roofing

1. Water Pooling and Moisture Problems

A low-slope roof without proper drainage will form water pools on the uneven flat spots or divots of the roof. Pooling can destroy the integrity of the roof system, leading to expensive repairs and early replacement.

• Pooling adds weight to the roof, leading to possible roof collapse.
• Pooling degrades the integrity of your roof by encouraging the growth of damaging mold.
• In warm weather, pooling degrades the roof's coating and membrane by intensifying the harmful UV rays, leading to photo-oxidation deterioration.
• An aggregate roof surface can erode from the action of pool freezing and thawing.
• Pooling water can easily make its way into weak points of the roof more than moving water.
• Pooling water can cause the roof's metal parts to rust, damage concrete components, and weaken wood features.

To protect long-term durability and prevent leaks, you must ensure water removal from your roof's surface within 48 hours of accumulation.

2. Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Low-pitch roof shingles must withstand freeze-thaw cycles. Extreme temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on low-slope roofs, causing thermal splitting. Thermal splitting occurs when warm temperatures expand shingles, decreasing the joints between the shingles. Similarly, cold temperatures shrink shingles, increasing joint space. Thermal splitting puts stress and strain on seams and adhesions, causing thermal splits — a cut running down the entire shingle. Thermal splits lower wind resistance and cause leaks in a roof system. Thermal stress can also lead to cracking, blistering, and tenting of a roof system.

3. Wind Issues

Wind affects low-slope roof shingles through uplift and downward forces, leading to wind inflation, differential stress between the roofing components, and wind scouring (removing the aggregate surface of a roof). Severe winds also increase the damaging effects of rain, hail, ice, and snow.

4. Impact Damage

Impact damage to the low-pitch roof material from foot traffic, ice, snow, flying debris, and hail can puncture, crack, or compromise the roof material, allowing moisture intrusion, damaging the integrity of both the roof system and structure.

What is the lowest / minimum pitch for a roof tile?

The roof is one of the most important parts of a building, and its durability and ability to protect the structure from the elements depends heavily on the roofing materials used. In traditional construction, it was not recommended to have a roof pitch lower than 20°, but with modern roofing materials such as Boral roofing tiles, the minimum roof pitch can be as low as 15°. This is because Boral roofing tiles are made from a strong and lightweight material that is highly resistant to wind and water damage. As a result, they can provide superior protection for a building even at lower roof pitches. In addition, Boral roofing tiles are available in a variety of colors and designs, making it easy to find a style that compliments the aesthetics of any home or business.

What tiles go down to 15 degrees?

Mendip roofing provides an attractive double pan design that is available in two versions. The original can be used on roof pitches down to 15°, while the Mendip 12.5 includes innovative features - such as anti-capillary channels and no nail holes - that enable it to be used at pitches as low as 12.5°. Mendip roofing is a great choice for both residential and commercial applications. It is durable, long lasting, and provides excellent protection against the elements. Contact your local roofing contractor today to learn more about Mendip roofing and how it can benefit your home or business.

What type of roofing do you use on low pitch roofs?

As any roofing professional knows, choosing the right roofing material is essential to protecting your home from the elements. For flat or low-pitched roofs, rubber roofing is often the best choice. Rubber roofing adheres to the roofing materials below it, creating a watertight seal that protects your home from the elements. In addition, rubber roofing is durable and easy to repair, making it an ideal choice for homes in all climates. If you're looking for a low-pitch roofing solution that will protect your home for years to come, rubber roofing is the way to go.

Can I use shingles on low roof pitch?

Shingles are an important part of roofing, and they need to be installed correctly in order to function properly. One of the most important things to keep in mind when installing shingles is that they are not meant to hold or have sitting water on them. Because of this, the shingle manufacturer's installation instructions and building codes state you can't install asphalt shingles on a roof with a pitch below 2:12. This is because a roof with a lower pitch doesn't allow for proper drainage, and the water can pool on the shingles and cause damage. It's important to follow these guidelines in order to avoid problems down the road.