Do Steep Roofs Leak Less?
No matter if it’s for aesthetic or storage reasons, steep roofs offer many advantages – let’s explore some!
A steeply pitched roof allows water and debris to run off easily, helping avoid pooled rainwater and potential ice damage issues while improving gutter efficiency. It also makes your gutters work more effectively.
Depending on your situation, you may need to contact an experienced roofing contractor to help you with your leaky roof.
Less Water Damage
Water damage prevention is generally greater for steep roofs due to their design; steep roofs prevent liquid water from pooling on low-pitched or flat roofs and damaging the shingles or other components of roofing.
Your roof will stay dryer and less susceptible to mould/mildew growth, lengthening its lifespan and decreasing replacement costs.
Steep roofs also help shed rain and snow while offering protection from UV rays, keeping homeowners dry and comfortable while cutting energy costs as the heating/cooling system uses less on hot days to keep homes at an acceptable temperature. This can reduce energy costs overall.
As previously stated, homeowners living in areas with heavy snowfall typically benefit from having steep roofs because the weight of snow is distributed before it accumulates too heavily on top, helping avoid cave-ins or ice dams from occurring.
Less Debris
Low-slope roofs tend to trap debris like needles, leaves, branches and dirt more effectively than steeper slopes, which helps ensure it remains neat even after heavy storms have hit. This helps your roof remain neat even post-storm.
Steeply pitched roofs do not experience water pooling like its flat counterpart, reducing the chance for mould growth on your shingles and thus prolonging their lifespan.
Debris is another issue on low-slope roofs that can block gutters and lead to leakage during severe weather, leading to expensive repairs down the line. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to contact a roofing company to help you.
On the other hand, steeply pitched roofs don’t suffer from ice problems or debris accumulation, meaning they last longer and require fewer repairs – which can save both you money and protect the safety of your home. They also allow more options for style and decoration as well as creating extra storage space in the attic for long-term or seasonal storage needs.
Less Stress on Gutters
Gutter and downspout systems are essential elements of a sound roofing system that must channel rainwater away from eaves and foundations – like plumbing systems they are essential components to the safety and longevity of homes.
As such, it is vitally important that gutters suit the type and pitch of your roof when selecting gutters for it. This is particularly relevant on steep roofs where water accumulates rapidly requiring an outlet when it builds up.
Consider also your gutter’s water-channelling capacity when selecting its style. While gutter sizes can differ significantly, most experts advise choosing large enough gutters to store an ample volume of rainwater.
Implementing a quality gutter system into your home can save money in repairs in the future and protect its foundation by diverting water flow in one area and decreasing its intensity.
Less Snow Damage
Snow can make roofs more vulnerable to ice damming and rot damage, potentially leading to costly repairs in older homes with poor ventilation systems.
Steep roofs do a better job at dispersing their weight, which helps avoid issues with ice and rot formation, and melting snow more effectively – both features that help prevent the formation of ice dams.
A steeper roof also drains rain more efficiently, reducing moisture damage risk and thus the likelihood of mould and mildew growing on your home.
Low-pitched roofs often experience pooled water that causes structural issues, due to either poorly designed valley systems or the slope of their roof itself. This problem can also arise with flat roofs with low pitches.
Check out our other article: Do Roofers Have To Wear a Harness?