Pitched Roof

When choosing the design of your roof some key considerations should be the function, aesthetics, and value of your property. Pitched roofs are a very common domestic roofing solution. They are widely seen across Europe and the Americas and date back to Greek and Roman architecture.
 
A Pitch roof is a roof that slopes downwards in two parts at an angle from a central ridge. They are formed from at least two slopes that rise up in the centre to create a peak. Pitched roofs come in all shapes and sizes. The lower the pitch, the greater the amount of water that the roof slope will collect and discharge.
 
Here we detail some of the characteristics of pitched roofs including its advantages and disadvantages.
 
The advantages of Pitched roof include:
 
More reliable for drainage
Water drainage from your roof can be impacted by pitch and the shape of your roof. A roof that is more steeply pitched will easily drain off more water compared to a flat roof. A flat roof on the other hand will require more intricate drainage mechanisms for surface water to run off. A Pitch roof is always more reliable for drainage.
 
Rainwater reuse
With a Pitched roof it is easier to collect and reuse rainwater compared to flat roofs. This helps with conserving water resources thereby helping the environment. In some parts of the world with inadequate water systems, this has proven to be a great source of water for homes.
 
Versatility
Pitched roofs can be designed such that it offers extra storage or substantial living space in a property. Attic bedrooms, bathrooms, playrooms, and offices are common in houses with pitched roofs. It is valuable to any homeowner that needs extra living space and appeals to a lot of home buyers. Extra storage or living space can increase the value of a property or move it into the next pricing level.
 
Lifespan
A key characteristic of a Pitched Roof is their longevity and durability. It also requires low maintenance and repairs which means they are a good investment. On the other hand, flat roofs may require constant maintenance of their drainage systems to prevent leaks. Depending on the material used, a Pitched Roof can last for a very long time. An example is natural slate which can last for almost 100 years.
 
Energy Savings
Pitched Roof systems are designed in such a way that it allows natural ventilation between the outer layer and the building thereby conserving energy. It is widely used in areas where the weather gets really warm. The building envelope accounts for almost 30% loss of energy within a building.
 
Thermal efficiency
The natural ventilation highlighted above ensures optimal indoor comfort in summer and winter. It also improves the thermal efficiency of the building significantly.
 
Protection against weather elements
Protection against rainfall, thunderstorms or even hail is a key quality of Pitched Roofs. As they are shaped like a triangle, they are more effective when dealing with extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall or snowstorms. The shape of the roofs prevents waterlogging and channels the water away from the home.
 
Sustainable
The pitched roof system is an ideal platform for sustainable energy options such as solar voltaic, solar thermal or photovoltaic technologies.
 
 
The disadvantages of Pitched Roof:
 
More Expensive
Specialist skills are required to install pitched roof, and, in most cases, DIY is not an option. Compared to flat roofs, pitch roofs are harder to install. This also affects the overall cost of installing Pitched Roofs compared to other roof types. The high cost of installation is slightly mitigated by the low maintenance cost over its lifetime.

Burden on the House Foundation
The Pitched Roof system due to its design and build places a greater burden on the foundation of the property. It demands greater depth. Therefore, replacing other roofing systems with a Pitched roof may not always be feasible. An example is replacing a Flat Roof on an extension with a Pitched Roof which may be harder to achieve.
 
Flexibility
Buildings with multiple levels or complex plans may not be ideal for Pitched Roof Systems. In most cases Flat Roofs may be ideal. At the initial design phase, the Architects must factor in the type of roofing system to be used for a building as a Pitched Roof System cannot be an afterthought.