Metal roofs come in a variety of styles and offer many benefits. One thing that all metal roofing systems have in common is the slope requirement.
The minimum slope for standing seam and corrugated metal roofs are different, so it’s important to know which type you’re installing before you begin your project. In this blog post we show you how to place a Metal Roof Minimum Slope in Corrugated and Standing Seam!
In this blog post we will cover the minimum slope requirements for both types of metal roofs, as well as what to do if your building doesn’t meet these standards.
Minimum Roof Pitch for Metal Building
The pitch for a roof can be measured in degrees or ratio of rise to run. It is commonly defined as the number of inches the roof rises over one foot horizontal distance.
The metal roof doesn’t stray far from other buildings with different materials. The height of the slant should be 3 inches for every 12 inches. The lower pitch range is between 1:12-5:12.
You will be charged more for these pitches because they are considered to be higher than others. The pitch of 5:12 is considered to be a minimum pitch for a metal roof.
Metal Roof Minimum Slope in Corrugated and Standing Seam
The corrugated metal roof that surrounds your house is inexpensive and long lasting, but it needs to be installed properly in order to do its job.
Along with this comes the need for a proper pitch, or slope. A roof’s pitch determines how fast water runs off of it when it rains or snows–too much can cause problems like leaks, and too little may mean ice dams.
This is because roof pitch can affect how warm or cold your home’s attic remains throughout the year as well as how much ventilation you get–excess heat or moisture in the summer and lack of air-flow to keep the wood from rotting in winter months.
Corrugated roofing is a good choice for roofs with only a few pitches. The minimum slope for a metal roof is 5 degrees. There is no assurance if you choose a flatter pitch.
There are benefits that you can expect from this type of pitched roof:
Leak Resistant – Minimum pitch corrugated metal roof is leak resistant. A common complaint with shingles is leaks. It is important for proper installation to prevent water from getting into the building. Coatings can be used to waterproof the surface.
Straightforward to Install – Corrugated metal roof is a pre-manufactured product. It is available in panels, so the installation of this type of roofing is a straightforward process.
Durable – Corrugated metal roofs can last a long time because of their ridges and grooves. They are not prone to corrosion. It also has a fireproof property. The steel finishes withstanding extreme weather conditions.
Minimum Pitch Metal Roof Snow
Snow accumulates on roofs in a variety of ways.
The most common is either wet snow, which may melt and refreeze leading to ice dams or dry snow, which does not have enough weight to be problematic at first but can lead to significant weight buildup.
Snow can also be packed onto roofs by the wind if there are no strong winds at the surface to remove it.
Regardless of how much snow accumulates, roofs can be designed to handle the weight.
If there is too much weight for the roof design, metal roofs are available with fasteners that will release when subjected to excessive pressure (acting like an airbag), allowing the top layer of snow and ice to slide off without damaging the roof.
The other factor in determining whether a metal roof can handle snow is the pitch or incline of the roof.
The steeper the slope, the more likely that there will be problems with snow accumulation and damage to your roof before it can release its load.
This is because as snow accumulates on roofs it creates an additional layer over the previous one, adding weight.
The metal roof needs to have a slope of at least 1:12 to be able weather through tough winter days. Some believe that a minimum slope of ¼:12 is the best metal roof, but it increases the chance for leaks in early snow days.
Standing seam is an increasingly popular metal roofing profile due to its clean and modern look. The panels are straight and sleek.
The material comes in any color which makes it able to fit with the structure of a building. Pay attention to the research you do and follow common standards for your metal roofing system.
Benefits of Having a Minimum Pitched Standing Seam
Most commercial buildings are built with a standing seam metal roof. When you see this kind of roof, what do you think of?
Maybe you think it looks nice and is elegant, or maybe you think that the aesthetics aren’t as important as other factors. You probably haven’t considered that having this type of roof installed could bring added benefits to your business.
Using a standing seam roofing system can add certain advantages to your property, by increasing its value and appeal. Here are three benefits you will enjoy from having this type of roof installed on your building:
1) Increased Curb Appeal – Standing seam roofs have been around for many generations, so they are not new or modern.
This means that when you add this kind of roof to your building, it will stand out in comparison to the other buildings in your area.
The contrast between the standing seam and the traditional asphalt shingle roofs around it will make your business an interesting visual. People taking a drive or walking by might take notice and stop by for a visit.
2) Aesthetic Appearance – In addition to the unique contrast described above, a standing seam roof has a certain elegance and sophistication.
The metal ridges give the roof an appearance like the scales of a fish or reptile. This kind can bring in more business due to its interesting look.
3) Greater Roof Life Span – When you invest in a commercial roofing system, you want it to last as long as possible.
Standing seam systems have been shown to outlast other kinds of roofs by up to 20 years. A standing seam roof can serve your business for many years with little need for repair or replacement work.
Being able to add these three benefits to your property is something you might not have considered when looking to have a roof installed.
If you are in need of a commercial roofing contractor, be sure they know how to install standing seam systems with the right minimum pitch to take advantage of these benefits.