Low Slope Roofing
A roof is considered low slope when the roofs pitch is less than 3 inches vertically for every horizontal foot. To explain further, a roof’s pitch is the angle of your roof and can be calculated by the number of inches or feet it rises vertically every 12 inches. Your roof’s pitch will be easily determined by your local roofing contractor during your initial inspection.
Important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to low pitch roofs is how effective the water drainage is. A roofing membrane beneath the roof pitch to help weatherproof it should be used since most low pitched roofs do not have gravity working in it’s favor when it comes to rainwater drainage. Be sure to ask your local roofer about water drainage with your low sloped roof and the best material and options to avoid water build up.
Due to it’s low slope, shingles are not a viable material to use on low slope roofs. Below are a few different types of roof systems that can be used on low slope roofs.
Membrane Roof Systems
Membrane roof systems are the most common option because they consist of wide sheets with a water repellent membrane. The membrane roof systems comes in sheets of either 5,10 or 20 ft wide and the three types are EPDM, PVC, and TPO.
EPDM
EPDM Rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is the most popular and is a type of synthetic rubber. EPDM is designed to withstand incumbent weather and is also resistant to tear, puncture and impact. When properly installed an EPDM roof can have a lifespan of 12-25 years. One of the most common issues is if this roof is poorly installed it can lead to leaks and roof failure. This is why it is important to hire a trusted experienced roofer to properly install your roof and insure proper installation.
PVC
PVC, (polyvinyl chloride) typically called vinyl is made of ethylene and chlorine. A PVC roof has outstanding durability, performance and longevity making them a costlier option then an EPDM roof. The lifespan of PVC roof can be over 20 years.The seams of PVC roof are hot air welded and make the membrane watertight under extreme weather conditions. PVC roofs are highly resistant to pooling water, dampness, strong winds, fire, chemical and fungi. PVC roofing membranes are actually designed to remain watertight and leak free for decades making them a stronger option than EPDM.
TPO
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), has become a sought after roofing system due to its natural reflective ability to deflect ultraviolet waves which conserves energy and saves on utilities. TPO is also resistant to corrosion and algae so it is easy to maintain. This membrane roof is also Class A fire resistant. Typical lifespan is 10 – 20 years.
Metal Roof Systems
There are two types of metal roof systems used for low slope roofs, these include standing seam roof and screw down roof.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Standing Seam Metal Roof has superior durability. A Standing Seam Metal Roof is connected at the seams and fastened in place by clips and protected by screws hidden beneath it’s surface. This type of roofing is highly resistant to strong winds making it suitable with sever weather conditions such as hurricanes. The standing seam design creates a watertight barrier which helps prevent leaks and damage from heavy rain. Standing Seam roofs are also very aesthetically pleasing and create a modern sleek look that enhances the design of your home or business. These metal roofs also come in a variety of colors allowing homeowners to choose the best option for their property. A con to this roofing system is higher cost compared to screw down systems. The installation process requires more specialized equipment and repairs on standing seam roofs can be more challenging and pricey due to the complexity of the system. Besides this con, these roofs as mentioned are extremely durable and have lifespan of 50-80 years with a. 40 year manufacturer warranty, so all in all it is a very safe and low-risk option for your roof.
Screw Down Metal Roof
Screw Down Metal Roofing is many corrugated metals roofs held together by metal screws. This option is more cost effective, this roof installation is typically less expensive because it requires less labor and materials and is easier to install. Due to the fact that screw down roofs are fastened using only screws, they do not have much room to expand or contract during hot and cold weather. This causes the panels to push and pull with force against the screws and leads to screws to need to be replaced every 5-10 years. The average lifespan of screw down metal roof is 20 years. Although cost effective option, it may require more Maintence and does not have the longevity or durability as the Standing Seam Metal roof does.
If you have more questions about choosing the best type of roofing system for your low slope roof, don’t hesitate to give us a call. At Pardo Roofing, we are highly experienced in low slope roofs and can provide you with any information or advice you need.
