A typical roof slope in Regina balances both function and design. Roof pitch determines how well your home sheds snow, resists wind, and avoids water damage. By understanding common roof slopes, you’ll see why builders in Saskatchewan design homes to withstand our unique prairie climate.
What is a Roof Pitch?
When you look at the houses lining a street in Regina, you might notice that the roofs have different angles. This angle, or “pitch,” isn’t just for show; it plays a crucial role in how a home stands up to our Saskatchewan weather.
Roof pitch is expressed as a ratio of the vertical “rise” to the horizontal “run,” usually in inches. For example, a 6/12 pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches it runs horizontally.
Common Roof Slopes in Regina
In a climate like ours, with heavy snowfall and periods of rain, a steeper pitch is generally better. Most residential homes in Regina and across the prairies have a roof pitch ranging from 4/12 to 8/12.
A pitch of 6/12 is particularly common as it offers a good balance of walkability for roofers and excellent shedding of snow and water.
Low-Slope and Steep-Slope Roofs
- Low-Slope Roofs (2/12 to 4/12): These are not as common for the main roof of a house in our region but can be found on porches or additions. Roofs with a pitch between 2/12 and 4/12 require special underlayment to prevent leaks from ice damming and wind-driven rain. Any roof with a pitch below 2/12 is considered a flat roof and should not have shingles.
- Steep-Slope Roofs (above 8/12): While excellent for shedding snow, these roofs are more difficult and dangerous to work on, which can increase installation and repair costs.
Why is Pitch So Important in Saskatchewan?
- Snow Load: A steeper roof allows our heavy snow to slide off more easily, reducing the weight and stress on the roof structure.
- Water Drainage: It also ensures that rain and melting snow are quickly directed to the gutters, minimizing the risk of leaks.
- Ice Dam Prevention: A well-pitched and properly ventilated roof helps prevent ice dams, which can cause significant water damage to your home.
- Wind Resistance: Certain roof or siding designs, like hip roofs (which have four sloped sides), combined with a moderate pitch, offer great resistance to our strong prairie winds.
Saskatchewan Flat Roofs
While most homes have a noticeable slope, flat roofs are common on commercial buildings. They are not truly flat but have a very slight slope to allow for drainage. In a place like Regina with our heavy snowfall, flat roofs require more maintenance and robust waterproofing systems.If you have any concerns about your roof’s slope or its ability to handle our Saskatchewan weather, don’t hesitate to contact us at Everflow for a professional assessment.
