What is Roof Slope & Why Does it Matter?

Park City homes are full of complex roof lines that use multiple roof slopes. The slope of a roof not only give many homes their shape, it is also functional.

Roof slope is simply the incline of a roof. Roof slope is commonly referred to as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run; 2:12,3:12, 4:12 etc. The ratio tells you how many inches the roof rises for every twelve inches in depth. The higher the rise (5:12, 6:12, 7:12) the steeper the roof is.

Roof slope ratios are always expressed as inches per foot. For example, a roof that rises 4 inches for every foot, it would be written as 4:12.

Why is Roof Slope Important?

Knowing a roofs slope is essential when installing a new roof or replacing an old one. Roof slope plays into multiple aspects of a roof including:

• Determines Materials— The steepness of your roof can be a determining factor in which type of metal roofing materials you can or cannot use. Knowing what your slope is can help you narrow down the choices and ensure you’re getting the best product for your roof.

• Protects Against Elements — The slope of a roof is also important because it helps to protect your home against harsh weather, allows for rain and snow run-off, and prevents moisture pooling. Therefore, your roof is protected from water and mold damage.

• Protects Against Collapses — Especially in environments like Park City with heavy snowfall, having the proper roof slope helps protect your home against roof collapses. Some building codes include a minimum pitch requirement in order to protect against roof collapses.