Roof Pitch Matters When Determining How Much a New Roof Will Cost
One of the most common questions we’re asked here at Skyline Contracting is: “How much does a new roof cost?” Unfortunately, it’s difficult to give a quick answer, as the average cost of a roof replacement will vary quite a bit.
The factors that impact the cost of a new roof are numerous—but roof pitch is one that homeowners often aren’t aware of. However, due to the geometry of roofing, a roof’s pitch impacts the size of the roof, the difficulty of working on it, and what kinds of materials may or may not be used.
At Skyline Contracting, we feel educating homeowners is an important part of our role as roofers. So today, we’re taking a closer look at how roof pitch impacts the cost of your roof replacement.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Georgia?
In Gainesville roofing, the cost we typically see for a new roof runs anywhere from $8,000 up to $30,000. The reason why this range is so broad is that roofs may be of varying sizes and designs; products and materials vary greatly in cost; market fluctuations and seasonality can impact the price; and several other factors.
One factor that isn’t often explored in detail, however, is roof pitch. While it’s just one part of the design of your roof, the pitch of your roof actually has a very significant impact on the cost of a roof replacement.
What Is Roof Pitch?
A roof’s “pitch” refers to the angle of the roof. All roofs must have at least some pitch, sloping upward from the roof’s edge, to ensure that rainwater flows off of the roof rather than collecting on its surface and causing leaks.
The way roof pitch is measured is more astraightforward than the geometric angles you may be imagining. Roof pitch is expressed simply as a number of inches of vertical “rise” for every 12 inches of horizontal distance (or “run”).
The most common roof pitches in residential roofing fall between 4/12 and 8/12. For these roofs, there are usually 4, 6, or 8 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run—a relatively standard pitch. Any pitches that fall below this range are considered “low slope,” while pitches above this range are considered steep. The steepness of some roofs can actually be quite extreme in some cases, ranging up to 12/12 or even steeper.
Why Does Roof Pitch Affect the Cost of a New Roof?
Roof pitch impacts the cost of a new roof in a variety of ways, but three stand out above the rest. For a given roof replacement, the pitch affects:
- The volume of materials needed
- The types of materials available
- The difficulty of installation
Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail.
Volume of Materials Needed
The pitch of your roof directly affects its surface area. The steeper a home’s roof is, the more roof that home has—it’s that simple. This means more materials will be needed to install the new roof, which increases the final cost.
Types of Materials Available
Some roofing products or materials may not work as well on particularly steep or shallow roof pitches. For example, asphalt shingles may not be used for low slope roofing designs, as the shingles rely on gravity to prevent rainwater from seeping between the layers. On the other hand, heavier materials may not be able to be installed on roofs with especially steep slopes.
Difficulty of Installation
The steeper a roof is, the more challenging it can be to work on. Roofs with especially steep slopes are dangerous and require additional safety precautions, as well as specialized experience to ensure the installation is completed correctly.
Need a Quote? Book an Inspection with Skyline Contracting!
Roof pitch can greatly impact the cost of a new roof—and it’s just one of several characteristics that must be factored in. That’s why the best way to know for sure how much a new roof will cost for your home is to book an inspection with a trained professional.
At Skyline Contracting, we offer thorough roof inspections and transparent, detailed quotes to help customers understand their options and make informed roofing decisions. If you’re trying to budget for a roof replacement, our team can help! Reach out to Skyline Contracting to schedule your inspection today.
