Incorrect Sloping Roof Angle
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How to Know If There Are Roof Slope Problems and How to Fix Them
The roof slope, also called the roof pitch, refers to the angle of the roof surface. It's measured as the ratio between the vertical rise and horizontal run that's expressed as a fraction. The horizontal measurement is always 12 inches. The vertical rise is then compared to that in inches. So, a 6/12 roof pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
The higher the vertical rise is, the steeper the roof pitch will be. That means an 8/12 pitch is twice as steep as a 4/12 pitch. The most common type of roofing for residential homes is asphalt shingles with standard roof pitches between 4/12 and 9/12.
Getting the roof pitch right is extremely important. If the roof's slope isn't correct it can lead to serious problems, including roof failures, that can be difficult to fix.
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Problems With Incorrect Roof Pitches
The problems that can occur if the roof pitch is incorrect depends on the type of roof you have. Roofs with a minimum pitch are very different than a steep slope roof, but the issues are equally concerning.
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Low Slope Roofing
A low slope roof has a slight pitch that's very gradual. Low slope roofs that are too low will have drainage issues that can turn into water ponding or ice dams in colder regions. Debris accumulation is another issue with a low pitch roof that can add to the drainage problem, damage the roof's surface and cause mold or mildew growth.
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Flat Roofs
Despite the name, a flat roof shouldn't be completely flat. There needs to be a minimum slope or serious problems can occur. Pooling water is the biggest problem when a flat roof's pitch is off. Standing water puts stress on the roofing materials and significantly increases the likelihood of roof leaks.
Another problem that can arise, particularly with flat roofs where there's foot traffic, is roof blistering. Water accumulation can allow moisture to get trapped below the roof surface. That trapped moisture can get in a void and expand forming a raised spot that can damage the protective coating and cause a leak.
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Steep Slope Roofs
On the opposite end of the spectrum you have roof structures with a steep pitch, often called a pitched roof. Steep pitched roofs can run into problems if there are heavy winds. Wind uplift is more likely with roofs that are too steep. It can also cause ice and snow slides that cause damage to gutter systems and areas below the roof line.
Maintenance is also more difficult with a steeply pitched roof. Roofing contractors aren't able to access the roof as easily to perform inspections and make repairs. Additional safety measures have to be taken and special equipment may be needed for regular maintenance.

Fixing Roofing Systems With an Incorrect Slope
There's good news and bad news if the slope of your roof is incorrect. The good news is you may not need an entirely new roof, and if you do warranties may cover the cost of the repairs. The bad news is repairing the roof slope is a complex process that has to be done by a highly skilled professional roofer. Even minor slope corrections will require removing the roofing materials to access the structural elements below.
Correcting the roof pitch may involve:
- Using tapered insulation at the low side of a low slope roof.
- Shimming below the roof deck to level the slope.
- Adding new support beams or rafters to increase the slope.
- Cutting and repositioning the rafters.
- Installing horizontal beams to rafters.
You may also be able to overcome minor roof pitch problems by adjusting or enhancing the drainage systems. On the flip side, if significant structural changes are necessary you may need a complete roof replacement.
If you need an experienced roofing company in Central Texas, LOA can help. We repair and replace everything from flat roofs to steep pitched roofs. Let's figure out how to fix your roof slope - schedule a free roof inspection!
