Remember that scene in The Santa Clause movie where St. Nick slips off the roof and meets his demise? Roof falls became a running joke throughout the movie, but in real life, it’s no laughing matter.
Many “architectural” roofs (translation: angled for looks) carry hazards beyond trying to not to fall off when hanging Christmas lights. Snow buildup, missing or damaged shingles, leaks and rotting wood can be even more perilous on a steep roof—posing dangers not just to obese senior citizens carrying toys to a chimney, but also people on the ground and the home’s interior.
Homes with extremely sloped roofs (ESRs) are not necessarily a negative, but they do require special consideration regarding maintenance, repair and shingle replacement. The tips below will help you learn how to keep your steep roof in up-on-the-housetop shape, including how to find a qualified roofing contractor who specializes in steep roof installations and repair.
What exactly is an Extremely Sloped Roof (ESR)?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines a “steep roof” as any roof with a rise/run ratio over 4:12. Roofing repair contractors and roof installers like Quality Built Exteriors use the format Y:X to describe the steepness of a roof. Y is the “rise,” which is how much a roof rises in inches, while X is the “run,” or the distance over which the Y rises. Many roofs are much steeper than 4:12, and the steeper the roof, the more problematic it can be to measure, repair, or replace. If you’re not sure whether you have an ESR, call Quality Built for a roof inspection and learn about your own roof’s unique features and factors.
What are the benefits of a steep roof?
Steep roofs are popular in residential home design—and for good reason. First, they add visual appeal and interest to a home’s exterior, which significantly enhances your curb appeal. Steep roofs are much more visible than their lower-sloped counterparts, so the roofing materials used are typically high-end and attractive. While this may add to the initial cost, those better materials will significantly lengthen the life of the roof and reduce the need for costly repairs.
Steep roofs also have many practical benefits:
- Increase the interior volume of your home, which adds storage space and/or higher ceilings
- Allow for better airflow and ventilation
- Shed water much faster and more efficiently than roofs with lower slopes, making them less likely to leak
- Are less likely to accumulate debris and snow which helps prevent the formation of dangerous snow dams
- Are subjected to lower levels of direct sunlight and UV rays, which further extends your roof’s lifespan
What are the drawbacks of a steep roof?
While steep roofs have a lot of great features, one important consideration is that repairs can be hazardous and are not for the faint-of-heart DIYer. The steeper the roof, the higher the risk—and the less likely the job can be handled by the average homeowner.
While not as perilous as climbing Mt. Everest or scaling a skyscraper, steep roofs are not smart to scale. Not only should you hire a qualified roofing contractor with expertise in safely maneuvering on a steep roof, but that contractor will also have the necessary equipment and insurance to safely quote and complete the job. Additionally, a pro will understand any subtle or significant techniques needed versus a typical roof.
Be forewarned that services for steep roofs nearly always cost more, as the roofer is also taking on added risk, specialized equipment, and possibly more time needed to complete the job properly. Additionally, steeper slopes require more shingles and materials, as well as higher-end materials.
What gutters do I need for a steep roof?
If your home has a steep roof, it’s essential that you have effective gutters. The increased roof angle means an increased rate of water runoff, so you might need oversize gutters and downspouts. Quality Built can install standard 5” gutters or oversize 6” (all are seamless gutters). The right gutters should be able to channel water runoff without a waterfall coming over the side.
Without it, you’ll eventually face damage such as wood rot. In some areas, even oversize gutters might not be enough, in which case Quality Built would recommend adding a diverter. Owner Mike Reedy has had a number of customers over the years who would not follow the company’s advice that their roof was too pitched for gutters alone to handle the runoff, and that they needed a diverter. The customer would refuse, but then call back to complain that the gutters were substandard because water was running over. Save yourself the headache and listen to the pros!
How do I choose a contractor for my steep roof?
If you have a steep roof in need of repair or shingle replacement, it’s essential you find a seasoned steep roof contractor with a well-trained, well-equipped team.
To find the right contractor for your steep roof, you’ll need to ask the right questions:
- What experience do you and your team have with installing and repairing steep roofs?
- Do you have the equipment needed to complete this task?
- Do you have adequate business and liability insurance?
- Are you able to provide references of past customers for whom you have completed steep roofing jobs?
- Are you certified through the roof material manufacturer to install/repair this type of roofing system?
- What type and length of warranty do you offer?
(Quality Built mostly installs Owens Corning roofs, which come with a full 30-year warranty—that means if the roof fails on year 29, you get the entire replacement free of charge. Most companies only offer a limited warranty, which means it’s prorated for each year since installation).
Help keep Santa—and the rest of your family—safe. Contact Quality Built Exteriors for a free estimate on roof repair or replacement. Their Chesapeake roofing professionals are experienced in working on roofs of varying slopes and can safely, quickly and effectively take care of your steep roof needs.
Quality Built Exteriors
929 Ventures Way, Suite 109
Chesapeake VA 23320
(757) 389-5519
Find us on Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/Qualitybuiltexteriors/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClGLUjkdtxG4VP0qjInTq-Q