Minimum Roof Pitch For Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles require a minimum roof pitch of 2 12 or greater.

Minimum roof pitch for asphalt shingles.

The short simple answer is 2 12 has traditionally been considered the absolute minimum acceptable roof slope suitable for asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles do require that you have a minimum pitch to your roof. For example if it is a very low slope water including snowmelt or. Considering the roof slope requirement is important.

The minimum roof slope allowed by code for any type of roof is in 12 applicable only to coal tar pitch roof systems. The 2 12 number is rise over run or two units of vertical for every 12 units horizontal. All asphalt shingle roofs with a pitch of 4 12 or more have an underlayment of 15 lb. The roof pitch between 2 12 and 4 12 is considered as a low pitch roof so shingles can be installed in the roof slope between 2 12 and 4 12.

Shingles of all types need to have a slope to function properly. If you re having asphalt shingles put on your roof you will have to have a minimum slope. The following table provides the minimum required allowable roof slope for each type of roofing material mentioned in the code. What slope is considered low slope for shingles.

Asphalt felt paper that is tacked to the roof sheathing. A roof slope of 2 12 up to but not including 4 12 is considered as low in residential construction. There are plenty of other options however for flat and nearly. For low slopes as well as any other slope your local building department should be contacted.

Therefore the asphalt manufactures base their warranties around the minimum recommended pitch of 4 in 12. What is the minimum pitch slope of an asphalt shingle roof. Why is 2 12 the minimum. The minimum requirement is 2 12.

For those who don t understand the roof pitch number here is a way to envision it. Metal roof shingles require a minimum roof pitch of 3 12 or greater. Asphalt composition shingles are designed to be installed on roof slopes greater than a 4 in 12 pitch. Clay and concrete tile requires a minimum roof pitch of 2 1 2 12 or greater.

What precautions need to be taken to install shingles on low slopes. Fortunately the requirements are quite accommodating. The minimum slope for an asphalt shingle roof is 2 12. But shingle roofing is not watertight in the sense that standing water or wind driven water on a low slope roof can work its way up between the laps which is the reason for the minimum 2 12 slope.

Let us recap on the minimum roof pitch required for each type of roofing material. They won t be appropriate for all roofs. The requirements for an asphalt shingles roof are contained in the international building code. They provide excellent weather resistance great value and now more than ever a tremendous range of beautiful designs and color blends.

Minimum slope for asphalt shingles.