Have you ever thought about a steep-slope roof for your home or business? There are certain advantages to these styles of roofs. However, these roofs need more materials and cost more than a flat top roof. For some homeowners, those reasons can make them shy away from these roofs. In most cases, these roofs offer more benefits than cons for your home. Let’s look at a few advantages of steep-slope roofs.
Manage Your Home’s Energy Bills
You might not think about it, but steep-slope roofs can help you with home energy costs. This roof system is made to allow easier airflow out of the ridge and into the eaves. In addition to that, steep-slope designs help to prevent ice buildup in the colder areas of your home. In many cases, it can reduce your cooling bills throughout the summer. You can save money when it comes down to roof wear and energy bills since the steep roof allows the proper airflow into your home.
Reduces Snow Load
If you live in an area with substantial amounts of snow, then you will want to choose a roof that can handle the weather. You will often see those dramatic A-frame homes in northern climates because these structures can handle heavy snowfalls. On flat or moderately sloped roofs, snow can accumulate on them. Over time, the roof and house can suffer from structural damage due to heavy loads of snow. If there is heavy snowfall, the roof can even collapse. With a steep roof, the snow will slide off since it is unable to collect on the roof. Ice often tends to melt quicker on a steep-slope roof as it prevents buildups of ice dams and forces moisture down your roof.
No More Rain Puddles
Just like snowfall, the rain can puddle up on a flat roof. Steep roofs can effectively shed water from a rainstorm. The roof will also dry out quicker, and that can lead to a longer lifespan. There is little chance of mildew or mold building up on a steep roof. These roofs can help to direct water directly into the gutter system. With a steep-slope roof, you have little chance of pooling water on the surface.
Clean Up Is a Breeze
Tree branches and needles can collect on a low-slope roof, and they often tend to stay there until you clean it. When the fall season arrives, you will have to remove rotting foliage since the rains cannot stream the debris from the surface of the roof. A steep-slope allows leaves and twigs to slide off as it gives your roof a clean appearance even after the heaviest of storms.
Additional Attic Space
If you have always wanted an attic or extra storage space, you cannot go wrong with a steep-slope roof. These roofs will give you ample room for an additional room. Depending on your roof’s pitch, you might even have enough space to convert this area into a functional living space. Many steep-slope roofs have windows installed for added natural light in the attic area. You should also think about adding some more insulation to this extra room. Additional insulation can help to prevent heat loss as it improves your home’s energy efficiency.
Prevent Dry Rot
Wet and rotting spaces in your roof can cause a tremendous amount of damage. Rotting wood is one of the top reasons for a roof replacement. You can avoid this issue with a steep-slope roof. This style of roof gives your home more ventilation. In turn, those wooden beams and other materials can stay dry. With a steep-slope roof, you have plenty of space to add vents. You can place the vents in the eaves and the soffits to increase the airflow under the roof. Heat tends to rise and collect in the attic. When you have the right ventilation, that extra air can get released through the vents. These vents will help your insulation stay dry and prevent it from compacting within your walls. As you can tell, steep roofs are a great way to ventilate your entire home.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
Many people love steep-slope roofs because they offer more visibility to your roof. For flat roofs, you usually cannot see them from the ground. When you have a sloping roof, you want to make it stand out in the neighborhood. They can play a significant role in adding curb appeal to your home. These roofs will make your home look more ornate and prominent from the outside. They also allow you to add decorative caps, inventive designs, and gables to your building.
Many homeowners choose their own combination of textures, style, and colors for these roofs. You can pair products with your existing trim and siding. These roofs allow you to add more of your personality to your home as you can mix and match options for this part of the house. Steep-slope roofs can turn a simple architectural style into a more visually complex one with just a few finishing touches.
More Durable Than Other Styles
Finally, steep-slope roofs are just more durable than the other choices on the market. As mentioned, you don’t have to struggle with ice issues, lingering debris, or pooling water. In the long run, that increases the life of your roof. You might even notice fewer repairs than those homeowners with a low-slope or flat roof. Steep-slope roofs often require little or no maintenance over their lifetime.
While steep-slope roofs do have more up-front costs, you are saving money over the lifetime of the roof. You can avoid extra expenses for maintenance, repairs, and energy bills. These roofs will definitely increase your curb appeal in the neighborhood as well. If you are thinking about a new roof for your home, you should consider the advantages of the steep-slope design.
RGB Construction is here to help with all your roofing questions. We are ready to tackle those roofing projects for your home. If you want to learn more about our services, make sure to fill out the form for a consultation.
