A slope refers to the incline of a roof. Sloped roof homes are common in residential living areas across the US. There are plenty of sloping roof ideas and architectural wonders to consider.

Most homes have sloped roofs. A slope refers to the inches a roof rises for every 12 inches in depth. A steep roof has a higher slope.

A barn house roof is easier to imagine because of its name. You will find such roofs with a combination of flat and sloping roof designs in residential areas. A gable roof is what you will find on barns. Gambrel roofs have two slopes on either side and can be found on barns and homes.

What Is A Sloping Roof?Differences Between Pitch Roofs And Sloped Roofs?Benefits Of A Sloping RoofLow Sloping Roof MaterialsSteep Sloping Roof MaterialsInsulation RequirementsHouses With Sloping Roofs From Talented ArchitectsFrequently Asked Questions

What Is A Sloping Roof?

A sloped roof isn’t just a roof with a slope. What we are referring to today is a roof that has single slopes and don’t meet at the top.

A home with two steep slopes is an A-frame house. A roof with four slopes is a mansard roof.

What Are The Differences Between Pitch Roofs And Sloped Roofs?

Pitched roofs and sloped roofs are not the same. Many people think they are similar, but this is a common misconception.

Measuring Pitched Roofs

Pitch refers to a roof’s incline against its span represented as a fraction. A roof’s span is the length from one wall’s top plate to a different wall’s top plate and covers the entire length of the roof.

Measuring Sloped Roofs

A slope measures the roof’s rise against its run by inches per foot. The run is the area from the outside of a wall’s top plate to a point below the center of the ridge. A roof’s pitch is meant for home construction, while slope measurements are for roofs.

Benefits Of A Sloping Roof

A low sloping roof is a flat roof. Flat roof homes are popular in dry climate areas like New Mexico and Arizona. Also, most commercial buildings have low sloped roofs.

Low Sloping Roof Materials

The most common materials for low-sloped roofs are TPO and metal. ISO boards are also common as they provide extra insulation. The boards will help your roof will last longer and won’t require constant maintenance.

Low slope roofs can withstand strong winds. In heavy rainfall regions, a low slope roof will sustain water damage as it takes longer for the water to drain from the surface.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a single-ply plastic membrane. The seams are heat welded for intense durability. In hot weather climates, you can choose white TPO which will help keep your home cool. It also offers protection from hail.Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a good substitute for tar and gravel systems. Its main advantage over TPO comes from its ability to withstand a larger range of chemicals. PVC is popular with public dining establishments that need stronger ventilation systems for their kitchens.Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer(EPDM) is the go-to choice for flat roofs. The material can withstand extreme hot and cold climates. EPDM can also withstand most chemicals. EPDM is also best in hail environments. handle hail the best.Atactic Polypropylene (APP) – known as modified bitumen or “mod bit” for short, the material is asphalt. Although cheaper than plastic and rubber, it doesn’t last long. Mod bit comes in many colors. Bitumen offers more options to match a sloping porch cover with roofing shingles, for example.Built-Up Roofing – also known as tar and gravel, this material has been used for over a century. It has layers of reinforced felt, or scrim solidified with hot liquid asphalt. As a final step, tar, and gravel roofs use pea gravel for UV protection.

Steep Sloping Roof Materials

Water repels from a steep-slope roof due to its incline. Unlike its low-slope counterpart, it is vulnerable to wind damage. Steep slope roof materials cost more but they last longer.

Metal – is a favorite roofing choice. Metal roofs are non-combustible, energy-efficient, and recyclable. It’s also very light.Asphalt Shingles are the most popular roofing material today. The shingles look like wood and slate but the only difference is that they’re cheaper.Clay Tile lasts the longest out of all roofing materials. It is durable and has a low water absorption rate. They also keep their original colors in bad weather conditions.Concrete Tiles are cheaper for those who want clay tiles but don’t want to spend as much money.

Pitched Roof Insulation Requirements

The insulation for pitched roofs offers thermal comfort, sound protection, and fire resistance. In colder climates, without proper insulation, your home will lose heat. Before you begin insulating a pitched roof, check local building regulations and requirements.

The best ways to insulate pitched roofs:

Get accurate measurements of the area you’re insulating.Inspect joists and electrical cabling.Ensure water tightness and that the area can breathe during construction.Make sure you have ventilation for construction.

Sloping Roofs From Talented Architects

For inspiration, check out these amazing independent houses by some of the world’s best architects.

The Keeper’s House

This work of art is The Keeper’s House by L.Oberlaender Arquitectos. Clerestory windows offer aesthetic appeal while surrounded by natural elements. The difference here is how the home feature two distinct roof styles.

Located in Bogotá, Colombia, the home is a marriage of country and modern design. It features a unique and eclectic blueprint for the house and modern materials.

Related: The Latest Comeback Of The Mansard Roof And Its Unusual Advantages

North Lake House Sloping Roof

The North Lake House Wenatchee by DeForest Architects in Washington state is rustic and elegant. It was designed to “bridge two worlds with natural ease.” In climates that experience heavy snow conditions, you want a new roof so it will avoid leaking.

The Loft

The Loft by ALT Architectuur offers convenience and style. As an open concept, it has a center wall connecting the other rooms. The house has a loft that doubles as an office and a bedroom.

Virginia Farmhouse Sloping Roof

By Reader & Swartz Architects, the home takes the sloping roof to new levels. The home was first a farmhouse that later became a work of art. You’ll notice how the outer walls shorter sloped roofs protect the steps and surrounding exterior. The space underneath the front pitch protects the entrance.

Hillside House

This Belgium home by Lava Architecten is almost a flat roof. It may not look like it, but the roofing system for modern houses might be their most advanced feature. The space directly underneath the house functions as covered parking garage.

The Hog Pen Creek Home

The Hog Pen Creek, in Austin, Texas, is by Lake|Flato and a sharp house wonder. Lake Austin has many residential homes that feature the latest in civil engineering design. The slope of the roof makes it better suited for heavy rain conditions.

Related: Pros And Cons Of A Metal Roof House

Piedmont Hills Science Complex

The Piedmont Hills High School building structure by LPA is a science center that features a roof at a slight angle. The high school covers over 177,000 square feet. The outer walls of the building structure feature a modern industrial look. This California Bay Area school is a tribute to new roof engineering.

The Glass Farmhouse

The Glass Farmhouse by Olson Kundig Architects. Modern houses like this one will have a sloping roof with a lip that catches rainfall and snow. Steep slope roofs are ideal for rainwater reuse and keep you house safe and warm during winters.

Casa Almudena Sloping Roof

Casa Almudena is a house by Jesús Perales in Els Boscos, Spain. Modern houses this new do not receive much attention, but this one is too advanced to ignore. The house features steeper slopes and supporting walls. The upper levels feature storage spaces.

Building A Sloping Roof

For modern houses with a steep slope roof, you will need to enlist the services of a professional contractor so you can rest easy. First, know what type of roof you want and can build. Know your local regulations and find out what you can and cannot build.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What Is A Skillion Roof?

A skillion roof is a shed roof or lean-to. It is a single, sloping roof, that you’ll find attached to a taller wall. It is half of a pitched roof. This type of roof is good for residential properties that want to add an extension to your home.

What Is The Difference Between A Warm Pitched Roof And A Cold Pitched Roof?

A warm pitched roof compared to other styles protects buildings from freezing temperatures. The roof features an insulation layer above the rafters, and below its roof covering weatherproof membrane.

A cold pitched roof is a type of roof that has insulation either between or under and between the rafters or at ceiling joist level. This type of insulation system can be ventilated if you choose.

What Is A Slanting House Roof?

A house with a slanting roof is a mansard. The roof shape features four sloping sides. It is also a four-sided gambrel roof, meaning it has a slope on all sides. A gambrel roof home will have attic space. The lower slope has a steeper angle, and the upper slope has a wider angle.

Can I Put Asphalt Shingles On A Low Sloping Roof?

Whether you can use the shingles will depend on your environment. Regular roof shingles on low slope roofs will leak when it rains. You can install extra felt layers on the roof surface and apply more roofing cement to protect your home.

How To Determine Roof Pitch For A Shed?

Pitch is calculated as the height, or rise, for a roof pitch over 12 inches of horizontal run. For example, if your roof rises above four inches over a 12-inch horizontal run, then your roof pitch is 4:12.

What Is A Gable Roof?

A gable roof has two sloping sides that connect a ridge. It has end walls with a triangular extension at the top.

What Are The Best Materials For Mansard Roofs?

A mansard roof will either have synthetic shingles or cedar shake shingles. Synthetic shingles are recycled plastic. You’ll pay more for synthetic shingles, but will be worth it in the long run.

What Is A Wall Plate On A Roof?

A wall plate isa load-bearing horizontal structural part that’s included in the timber framework.

Sloping Roof Conclusion

The benefits of a sloping roof are worth the expense. A roof slope allows rain and snow to slide off. It’s an effective roof design as water can drain from a sloped roof easier than a flat roof. It’s his feature that ensures your roof will last longer than one that isn’t sloped.