The most common roof pitches are 4/12, 6/12, and 8/12. These ratios mean that for every 12 inches of horizontal distance (run), the roof rises 4, 6, or 8 inches vertically (rise).
The most common roof pitches for residential houses range from 4/12 to 9/12. These pitches offer a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and cost. Steeper pitches might be more suitable in areas with heavy snowfall.
As well, a slope of 4:12 is most commonly considered the lowest slope for “standard shingle installations”. Most manufacturer and industry recommendations require, or at the very least recommend, special underlayment or other considerations on roofs between 2:12 and 4:12.
4/12 is quite typical. Anything under 3/12 is a low pitch roof. Anything above 6/12 is a steep roof pitch since it becomes harder to walk on the roof. It's pretty easy, to be honest.
Using this also helps minimize damage to the shingles. A pitch up to 6/12 can usually be walked on.
These architects use the Golden Ratio, or a roof pitch with a ratio of about 1:1.62, as a benchmark to test their intuition on an unsatisfactorily-designed roof.
If you are feeling confident and well balanced, then you might try a 7/12 or 8/12 pitch. Anything above an 8/12 should be left up to the professionals. Even experienced roofers often avoid anything over a 9/12 and will usually use an anchor and harness for any roof that is 9/12 and up.
Roof pitches commonly range from 4/12 to 9/12, striking a balance between water run-off and aesthetics. A 4/12 pitch is low slope and cost-effective, while a 9/12 pitch is steeper, making it ideal for regions with heavy snowfall.
This gentle slope facilitates easier maintenance, as the low incline allows for safe, straightforward access for inspections and repairs. Economically, the 2:12 pitch is advantageous, necessitating fewer materials and labor than steeper slopes, thus reducing construction and installation costs.
International building code guidelines recommend a minimum roof pitch of 1/4:12. This means that for every 12 inches of the roof's run—which is the horizontal distance it travels as it covers a home—the elevation of the roof should change by at least 1/4 of an inch.
Recommended Roof Pitch for Snowy Climates
For homes in areas with heavy snowfall, the minimum roof pitch should be around 4/12 (about 30 degrees). This helps prevent excessive snow buildup while providing enough slope for water to drain efficiently.
Asphalt shingles, because of their configuration and installation methods, are restricted to use on roofs having a minimum slope of 2:12. Where the slope is no steeper than 4:12, the underlayment must be doubled to provide a greater barrier to leakage.
For the eaves, which are the lower edges of the roof, the overhang should be between 12 and 18 inches. This means the roof should stick out 1 to 1.5 feet past the walls. For the rakes, which are the sloped edges of the roof at the gable ends, the overhang should be about 8 inches.
To put it simply, the Golden Ratio (a ratio of about 1:1.62) is used merely as a benchmark to test an architect's intuition when he is not satisfied with his design. Sir Edwin Lutyens, perhaps the most famous of British architects, is often quoted to prove that this is true. The pitch angle of 45° annoyed Lutyens.
For a typical roof pitch to use for a traditional house, you should start with the 4/12 pitch cited above, but anything falling in the range between 4/12 and 9/12 is pretty common. If your pitch is lower, you will see it sporting a slight angle, hence the term low-slope roofs for them.
This same job on a building with a 5/12 roof slope may cost around $7200+ to complete. A 9/12 roof slope will most likely cost more than $8300+ to replace. A 12/12 roof sloop will potentially cost around $10,000+ to replace.
Standard Pitches: 3/12 through 9/12
Standard pitch roofs are the common roofing pitches you'll find on the main living areas of residential homes.
Anything less than 1:12 pitch is a huge mistake in snow-prone climates. Standing seam metal roofs— which allow snow to slide more easily— might do better with a 2:12 or 3:12 pitch. The ideal location for an entrance is on the endwall under the gable.
Here's the difference: slope is measured as the rise over run, while pitch actually refers to the rise over span (where span is the entire horizontal measurement of the roof, and therefore equals twice the run).
The average cost of raising a roof is $45 – $75 per square foot. ROI is 50% – 55%.
Underlayment For Low Slope Roofing
There are two main types of underlayment: felt and synthetic. Synthetic roof underlayment has superior durability, longevity and performance compared to felt.
Yes, we can alter the size, shape, and value of your home by changing your roof's pitch. Our expert roofers have modified dozens of roof slopes. However, revising the pitch of a roof represents a significant undertaking. Let's talk about the reasons why property owners might want a roof pitch change.
The minimum roof pitch for shingles is a 2:12 pitch.
If your roof is less than 2 vertical units (inches or feet) up for every 12 horizontal units out, it's considered low slope.
This is primarily due to a 10/12 roof pitch being dangerous to walk on without the proper training and equipment. Rooftop installations can be done but will require expert help whenever maintenance is needed.
The angle can vary depending on the aesthetic you're aiming for along with other factors such as climate considerations and geographical location. Traditional Farmhouse: 35° to 45° roof angle. Modern Farmhouse : 25° to 35° roof angle.