Minimum Pitch for Metal Roof - Expert Advice
Sellers Roofing Company has over 12 years of experience working with metal roofs in both residential and commercial sectors. We have applied various types of metal roofs to schools, warehouses, industrial buildings, gyms, and retail outlets all over greater MN. The purpose of this article is to discuss the minimum pitch for metal roof applications with you, in an attempt to help any do it yourselfers or new roofers that may be just getting into the business.
Hopefully, this information will help you better understand why there is a minimum pitch requirement for metal roofs in the first place, and help you apply the correct principles to the next metal roof you install so that it will protect your building and its contents the way it is intended to.
The History of the Metal Roof
Metal roofs have been around for centuries now. They have been found dating as far back as the 3rd century BC. We have some metal roofs around today that were made back in the 1800s, that still stand as a living testament of their long-lasting durability. Metal roofs have been known to last up to a hundred years or more, which is why you will find some installers giving warranties on them for up to 50 years.
Metal roofs are near impermeable, and they are known to be resistant to all types of dangerous elements such as; fire, heavy snow, hail storms, and even hurricanes. They’re also resistant to corrosion, shrinkage, and cracks oh, so they are superior to shingles in many aspects. Metal roofs are also cheaper than asphalt shingles.
Metal roofs can also give you enhanced energy efficiency due to their high solar reflectance, providing reductions in heat gain because it reflects the light rather than absorbing it. This offers an ongoing savings on energy costs , and that’s something you definately want to add in if you are considering buying one.
More on Metal Roofs
While metal roofs have become the most popular material used in commercial applications over the years, metal has also found its way into the residential sector and filled out into all types of options, colors, and styles for homeowners. There are standing seam panels, shingles, metal tiles, more that have been crafted to fit just about any architectural style that is currently in existence.
You can get a metal roof to match your home, your neighborhood, your shed or barn, etc. — This is why we figured that this was as good of a time as any to share our experience with metal roofing. Hopefully, this will educate people that are online searching for the minimum pitch for metal roof applications.
Minimum Pitch for Metal Roof - What Gives?
Why is there a minimum pitch for metal roof applications in the first place? This section will explain the reason for the minimum pitch requirement on metal roofs, so you can better understand the different factors that can come into play over time and challenge or diminish your roof’s integrity if you don’t know what you’re doing in advance.
In this next section, will give you the minimum pitch requirement for metal roofs, and highlight a couple of the dangers associated with applying metal roofing materials to low-slope roof picthes that are nearly flat.
Problems Intrinsic to Low Slope Metal Roofing
Roofs with a pitch lower than 1.5 B would problems with condensation and air/water movement through the deck, and condensation buildup. These moisture problems can lead to a number of other problems like corrosion of metals and wiring, wood decaying molds. That is why you may have noticed that just about all of the roofs you see with very low (under about 2 1/2:12) pitch have coverings.
That said, if you want to have a metal roof that is worth its weight in value, that doesn’t come with a ton of problems, the minimum pitch for metal roof applications should be kept at around at least a 3 1/2:12 (three and a half on 12) or above. (Even though manufacturers say 1/4:12 is acceptable.)
In the end, it’s best to hire an experienced metal roof expert to ensure that your roof coverings are performing up to IRC standards and other local building codes, so that you can benefit from your metal roof for years to come. We hope this helps!
Minimum Pitch for Metal Roof
For the most part, the minimum pitch for metal roof installations depends on what kind of material you are installing, and the method in which the material is being fastened. The minimum pitch for metal roof shingles and lapped, non-soldered panels is 3:12. After that, the miimum pitch for metal panels depending on the methods used to join the panels. Panels joined with an applied lap sealant can go as low as :12. For low slope metal roofs under :12 that are nearly flat, Modified bitumen roofing, thermoset, and thermoplastic single-ply are approved and recommended.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it is always better to be certain that not only your needs are being met, but that your roof is being properly installed , meeting all local and international roofing codes, so that you can enjoy your toof for years to come. When it comes to metal roofin installation, Sellers Roofing Company has some of the best hands in the business. We have over a decades experience working in commercial and residential roof installations, and we can make sure that your roof is installed correctly and stays performing for years to come!
Call Sellers Roofing Company or click the button below to set up a free roof estimate! We have operators on standby 24 hours a day to meet the emergency roofing services needs of greater Minneapolis, and we look forward to speaking with you!
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