Through the four seasons, most Midwestern states experience volatile weather due to the drastic climate throughout the year. Michigan’s harsh weather conditions in particular can be rough on roofs. Roof shingles are exposed to many damaging conditions including rain, sleet, snow, and harsh winds. As such, most Michigan homes have sloped roofs with asphalt shingles to protect against moisture damage. This is what is often referred to as a Michigan style roof.
Roof Pitch of Shingle Roof
Depending on the climate, different roof types are recommended. Due to the frequent rain and moist weather conditions, roofs in Michigan can experience water damage. This is when stagnant water collects in one area of the roof and weakens either the shingles or the roof’s foundation underneath. To prevent this, roofs are constructed with a roof pitch.
Roof pitch describes the angle or slope of a roof. In Michigan, the minimum pitch for a shingle roof is 2/12. You can have a gentle slope that still allows water to fall off the roof instead of leaking through the shingles or weakening the frame. The angle between 2/12 and 4/12 will allow rainwater and snow to run off the roof into the gutters. This protects the structure from any damage inflicted by the climate.
Additionally, the roof pitch determines how much attic space you will have for storage. Higher roof pitches allow for more available space while low pitches tend to minimize the space available. If attic space is important to you, you definitely want to consider building a more sloped roof to maximize the area.
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