Minimum Roof Pitch For Tiles

Importance of a roof pitch.

Minimum roof pitch for tiles.

In traditional home construction it was not recommended to have a roof pitch lower than 20. The minimum roof slope allowed by code for any type of roof is in 12 applicable only to coal tar pitch roof systems. The short simple answer is 2 12 has traditionally been considered the absolute minimum acceptable roof slope suitable for asphalt shingles. Traditionally a minimum roof pitch of 20 was recommended in bs 5534 but modern tiles and slates have now been designed for applications as low as 15.

Clay tiles are colorfast which means their tints improve rather than fade over time. This means for every 12 horizontal units the roof must rise a minimum of two and one half vertical units. Asphalt shingles continue to be the most widely installed roof covering option in north america. The minimum roof pitch is also subject to the standards set forth by the various building codes used in the respective regions.

There are some general rules that can be applied to different types of tiles. The chief reason for having a roof pitch is to redirect water and snow away from the roof and avoid any percolation that might result from stagnation of water on the roof. Getting the right pitch for the roof will also play a big role in it performs long term. The following table provides the minimum required allowable roof slope for each type of roofing material mentioned in the code.

However with modern roofing materials such as boral roofing tiles the minimum roof pitch can be as low as 15. All tiles and slates have a minimum roof pitch which is set out in order to protect the roof from water penetration. Concrete is long lasting with a minimum lifespan of 50 years depending on climate. Ratios from that minimum up to 4 12 which are considered low pitch require double underlayment.

It is uncommon to find a roof below 15 but for those very low pitch applications there are interlocking clay pantiles available suitable for use down to 12 5. The irc recommends a minimum pitch of 2 5 12 for these materials. Clay and concrete tile minimum roof slope roof pitch r905 3 2. The international residential code irc specifies a minimum 4 12 pitch 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run for a clay or concrete tile roof except that a pitch as low as 2 1 2 12 is allowed when two layers of underlayment are applied.

The pitch is crucial in minimising the amount of time it takes for water and debris to clear from the roof. Although the minimum roof pitch for residential homes may vary depending on city and state building codes. They provide excellent weather resistance great value and now more than ever a tremendous range of beautiful designs and color blends.