Pitched Roof Types
Learn more about the different types of pitched roof types.
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Many houses have pitched roofs. They add an element of interest and beauty to a house. But, they also add more in cost of repairing and replacing because of their complexity. The style and pitch of your roof defines the overall look of the house. And, if you need to file an insurance claim, you will find out that the style of your roof is a significant factor in pricing a roof replacement. Correct area and line measurements are critical in costing the job. If these are miscalculated, you can end up paying for supply overages, shortages, and labor rates!
If your home has a roof with pitches, you need a qualified roofer to work on it. Your New Jersey roofers at Allied Roofing Solutions solves your roof issues because of our many years of experience working on pitched roofs. Remember, also, that it is always a prudent idea to have a roof inspection before deciding on repairing or replacing it. In this article, we look at different types and characteristics of pitched roofs.
What is a Pitched Roof?
A pitched roof has a sloping surface or surfaces that are angled at more than 20 degrees. The pitch of a roof, along with the shingles, keeps water running into the gutters. The pitch is the vertical rise divided by its horizontal span, which is the measure of roof steepness. A common roof pitch on residential homes is between 4/12 and 9/12. A roof that is walkable typically has a pitch of 7/12 or below.
Structural Types of Pitched Roofs
There are basic structural types of pitched roofs.
Mono-Pitch Roof
Mono-pitch roofs are the simplest form of pitch. This is a single-sloping surface that is often not attached to another roof surface.
Mono-pitch roofs are the simplest form of pitch. This is a single-sloping surface that is often not attached to another roof surface.
Double-Pitch Roof
The double-pitch roof is the pitched roof that is most widely used. This roof has a sloping surface of two so there are two sloping surfaces in the opposite direction. The rise of a double-pitched roof is the same as that of a mono-pitched roof, and the horizontal span is twice the value of the mono-pitched roof.
Couple Roof
A couple roof is referred to as the simplest form of a roofing system. It is similar to a Gable roof or double-pitched roof. The main difference is that a couple roof can be constructed inexpensively and can be erected quickly.
Couple Close Roof
A couple close roof is similar to a couple roof except that the legs of the common rafters are connected by a horizontal tie. The tie beam in the roof runs from the wall plate of one pillar to the other wall plate so that it covers the entire horizontal span of the top. The tie prevents the common rafters from spreading and trusting out of the walls by connecting to the feet of the common rafters.
Collar Beam Roof
With a collar beam roof, a collar tie is provided instead of a horizontal tie. A collar tie is the horizontal structural member between the rafters.
Slant Roof
A slant roof is a hipped roof. Popular slant roofs are the gable and gambrel roofs. A slant roof that is gable has sloped instead of vertical ends. A slant roof that is gambrel has two slopes on each side, with the upper being less steep than the lower.
Popular Types of Pitched Roofs
These are the five most popular types of pitched roofs.
Gable Roof
A gable roof is probably the most popular roof type in the U.S. A gable roof forms two sides of a triangle when you are looking at it from the side. A gable roof is good for sloughing off water and snow and provide more space for the attic or vaulted ceilings. They have a simple design so they are easy to build and replace. A gable roof, if constructed properly and adequately supported, can bear asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, metal, clay, or concrete tiles.
Hip Roof
A hip roof has slopes on all four sides. Most of the time, the sides are of equal length and come together to form the ridge. Hip roofs are generally more stable than standard gable roofs because of the inward slope on all four sides. Hip roofs are great for shedding water, snow, and withstanding high winds. They usually require more material and cost more to replace than simple gable roofs due to the additional complexity of the design.
Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof, also known as a barn roof or a dutch roof, is two-sided and symmetrical with two slopes on each side. One is a lower slope that is fairly steep and the upper one sits at a more shallow angle. This is a simple and cost-effective roof that requires less material to build and replace. It is a sensible option in areas that get very little or no snow or wind because the design is more open and less durable. It withstands rain and other liquids if the edges are waterproofed.
Mansard Roof
A mansard roof, also called French or curved, has four sides and each side has a double slope. All sides meet in the middle to form a lower-pitched roof. Mansard roofs are suited for larger homes and for homeowners who have plans to expand by adding more rooms or sections to the house. It is lower pitched than other types, so it may not be as suitable in areas that experience heavy snows or rainfall. The lower pitch doesn’t shed water as effectively as a higher-pitched roof. Materials such as metal and asphalt shingles are useful on a mansard roof.
Flat Roof
Even a flat roof has some pitch in order to direct water off the roof. Typically, flat roofs are used on industrial or commercial buildings. A flat roof can tend to have roof leaks so it may not be a sensible type in areas that have high rainfall or heavy snow areas. Flat roofs require specialized roofing material such as EPDM or TPO for roof replacements.
Contact Allied Roofing Solutions for your Specific Pitched Roof Type
If you are building a house or considering replacing the roof on your existing home, call your New Jersey roofers at Allied Roofing Solutions. Our team of professional and knowledgeable roofers can provide advice and consultation on the available options such as how to choose the best shingle color, how long it takes to replace a roof, and much more. For honest and reliable guidance, call us. We serve New Jersey residents in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. Call us at (201) 773-0633 or complete the free roof estimate contact form to schedule an appointment.