What is a Low-Slope/Flat Roof System?

  • A low-slope roof is one that has a slope of less than 3-in-12.
  • This means that for every horizontal foot, the roof level goes up less than 3 inches vertically.

What type of roofing is best for a low pitch roof?

Rubber roofs are a top choice for flat or low pitched roofing as it adheres to the roofing materials below it and, when installed correctly, provides a watertight seal to the elements. Choosing the best low slope roof materials often comes down to weighing the pros and cons based on your home and your needs.

What is a disadvantage of low slope roofs?





Disadvantage: Limited Materials



Low slope roofs change how water flows off of the structure. High pitched roofs don’t let water sit, so asphalt shingles and other materials that overlap work well. On a roof with a lower pitch, standing water soaks between these materials.

What materials can be used on low slope roof?

Most low slope roofing systems on the market utilize three main material options:

  • Built-up roof (BUR) membranes.
  • Modified Bitumen.
  • Single-ply membrane.


What can I put on a 1/12 pitch roof?

This pitch might be as low as 1/12. The flat roofing materials most appropriate to these shallow-sloped roofs include: Built-Up Roofing: Sometimes called tar-and-gravel, or BUR, the modern form of this kind of roof consists of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics.

Can you put a metal roof on a low slope?





Metal roofing systems, such as a standing seam roof or a corrugated metal roof, are ideal for low-slope applications that aren’t “flat” roofs. These metal panels come in large sheets that cover the length of your roof from your ridge to your gutter.

What shingles are best for a low slope roof?

The slope or pitch of a roof dictates the type of shingles you should install. For a low-slope roof such as 4:12 to 2:12, three-tap shingles are preferable. Low-slope roofs are more susceptible to ice and water problems such as ice dams, so better flow properties are important to consider for installation.

Why use a low slope roof?

Besides performance in wind, freeze-thaw cycles & UV radiation from the sun, a low-slope/flat roof must also withstand expansion & contraction & remain 100% watertight. This requires well-engineered attachment, seaming & weathering characteristics to meet these performance demands.

Why are low-pitched roofs used?

Low-pitched roofs are usually applied to extensions or similar builds. This is because they’re more appealing and less awkward-looking design-wise. It also helps save on costs and doesn’t risk blocking the views from windows installed in buildings next door.

Can roofs be flat?



Homeowners can choose among three kinds of flat roofs, says Bruce O’Neal, vice president of Matthews Roofing, which has been keeping Chicago’s many flat roofs dry since 1934. What are the different types of flat roofs? Built-up roof (BUR), modified bitumen roof (MBR), and rubber membrane roof (EPDM).

Is a 1/12 roof pitch enough?

For metal panel roof systems, NRCA recommends slopes of 1/2:12 or more for structural panel systems and 3:12 or more for architectural panel systems. For asphalt shingle, clay and concrete tile, metal shingle, slate and wood shake and shingle roof systems, NRCA recommends slopes of 4:12 or more.

Can you shingle a 1/12 pitch roof?

The asphalt shingle manufactures recommend that you install asphalt shingles on a recommended minimum of 4 in 12 or greater however most manufactures will warrant their shingles down to a 2 in 12 pitch if the recommended installation method is used.

What is the smallest pitch for shingles?



2:12 pitch

The minimum roof pitch for shingles is a 2:12 pitch.



If your roof is less than 2 vertical units (inches or feet) up for every 12 horizontal units out, it’s considered low slope.

Can you put a metal roof on a 1/12 pitch roof?

Can You Put A Metal Roof On A Low Slope? Just about any type of metal roofing panel will work with a 3:12 roof pitch or greater. However, when the pitch drops to a 2:12 or even a 1:12, you will have to use the right metal roofing panel profile.

What is the least pitch for a metal roof?

The minimum slope for a metal roof with exposed fasteners and seams without sealant is 3:12, which means 3” of drop for every 12” of horizontal run. Roofing with exposed fasteners and lapped seams with sealant can go lower – ½:12.

Can you put a metal roof on a 3/12 pitch?



For roofs of 2:12 or greater pitch, products like our ClickLock standing seam work very well. Then, when you get into roofs of 3:12 or greater pitch, most other metal roofs can be used and that generally is the pitch requirement for asphalt shingles as well.

What is the minimum pitch for corrugated iron roof?

Roof Pitch



Corrugated is designed so that sheets are to be overlapped by a minimum of 1.5 ribs to ensure the water-proofness. The minimum recommended roof pitch is .

Can metal roofing be used on flat roofs?

Yes, you can put metal on your flat roof.



Some homeowners want metal roofing for its lifespan and durability. Other homeowners like the look of metal and want to boost their home’s curb appeal. Some even want to use metal on their flat roof for both reasons.

How do you seal a low slope roof?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Next two better seal the flange at the base sheet base fly nail the drip edge three inches on center in the staggered pattern using roofing nails.