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TOPIC: Roof Pitch

Roof with 2 pitches

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Our roof has two pitches. The main section is steep, but just before the edge of the house, the pitch eases up by 15° and then continues for 2 feet to the eaves. This change in pitch is duplicated over the front and sides of a jutting mudroom. In addition to the two valleys introduced by the mudroom, there are three dormer windows. All in all, contractors try to steer me away from metal roofing. They admit that the dormers are not impossible, but that they make for a serious problem that will need extra flashing. But the biggest problem seems to be that change in pitch. One manufacturer can put a curl into their product, but apparently NOT a simple bend. Asphalt shingles are not very appealing because the 20 year shingles didn’t last 10 years on the southern face where the pitch eases up. Fortunately this area was well flashed. Is this house a candidate for metal? If so, how do we work around the change in pitch?
Guest User

9/5/2007
Metal can certainly be used on a roof such as you describe. However, I would not want a contractor to do it that was not confident of his abilities on a roof of this complexity. You did not say what type of roof system you were considering but it sounds like you were thinking of vertical panels. If so, the pitch change should be accomplished with flashing between two separate panels. The dormers can certainly be flashed in as well. If you could post a picture of this area of the roof, I might have some pictures of similar roof details I could post for you to review.
Ken Buchinger
NCI Building Systems, Inc.

9/5/2007
This image was scanned from the house’s original drawings. The change in pitch is evident but looks milder than it really is. I had one contractor suggest the two pieces with flashing approach, but when I asked if the flashing would show or be hidden, he said it would show. The existing dormers and mudroom weren’t weaved, but rather have open valleys to the flashing. I’m not keen on the appearance. You seem to imply that alternatives to vertical panels would be another option. Is that correct?
Guest User

9/6/2007
The flashing will show at the slope change. I have some pictures that may help you. There are alternatives to vertical panels. Several MRA memebers manufacture metal shingles of various types.
Ken Buchinger
NCI Building Systems, Inc.

9/6/2007
Another picture
Ken Buchinger
NCI Building Systems, Inc.

9/6/2007
I will try to email you something later on today. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

8/15/2008