Slope Requirement for Rolled Roofing
Some standard roofing materials, such as metal and shingles, are unsuitable for roofs with a low pitch, or slope. Roll roofing, or rolled roofing, material is a common solution to this problem on low-sloped roofs that do not require great structural strength, such as those of garages, porches and sheds.
Minimum Slope
The minimum slope requirement for mineral-covered roll roofing material is half an inch per foot (4 percent). Organic roll roofing can be installed on roofs with a minimum slope of 1 inch and, while asphalt roll roofing can be installed on a 2-inch slope in an emergency, a minimum slope of 3 inches is recommended.
Application
Roll roofing is typically applied to a roof in strips 3 feet wide, with one sheet overlapping the next to provide double coverage across the entire roof surface. It is usually applied over a layer of tar paper.
Considerations
Roll roofing can be installed vertically or horizontally, but vertical installation creates long seams that may allow rainwater to penetrate the roof. Roll roofing is not particularly appealing, aesthetically, and is best installed on roofs that are not overlooked.
References
- “Manual of Low Slope Roof Systems”; Charles William Griffin, R. L. Fricklas; 2006
- “Building a Deck”; Scott Schuttner; 2002
- “Roofing the Right Way”; Steven Bolt; 1996
Writer Bio
A full-time writer since 2006, David Dunning is a professional freelancer specializing in creative non-fiction. His work has appeared in "Golf Monthly," "Celtic Heritage," "Best of British" and numerous other magazines, as well as in the book "Defining Moments in History." Dunning has a Master of Science in computer science from the University of Kent.
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