When it comes to your roof replacement project, you may be considering asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material on the market today, as they are durable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing. If you have a flat or low slope roof, however, you may be asking yourself, “can I even install shingles on a flat roof?”
This is a great question, because there are a few instances where shingles should not be installed, and this is one of them. Shingles should never be installed on a flat or low slope roof. In this article, we explain what a low slope and flat roof is, why shingles shouldn’t be used in this situation, and more!
Table of Contents
– What is a Low Slope or Flat Roof?
– Why You Shouldn’t Install Shingles on a Flat Roof or Low Slope
– Recommending Shingles on a Flat Roof or Low Slope Roof
– Best Roofing Materials for Low Slopes and Flat Roofs
What is a Low Slope or Flat Roof?
When explaining what a low slope or flat roof is, we must first explain roof pitch. Roof pitch is simply the steepness, or angle, of your roof or certain roof areas. It’s a ratio calculated by the number of feet, or inches, it rises vertically for every 12 feet, or inches, that it extends horizontally.
For example, if a roof has a 6/12 pitch, that means it has a pitch that goes 6 feet, or inches, up for every 12 feet, or inches, out. So, if a roof’s pitch is below a 2/12, then it is a low slope roof. Any roof is considered low slope if its pitch is less than 2 vertical units up for every 12 horizontal units out.
With that being said, it should be fairly obvious if your roof or a roof area has a low slope. If you’re still unsure, however, we do not recommend getting on the roof to measure it, as this can be a safety risk. The best way to determine roof pitch is to have a contractor come out for a roof inspection and take a look.
Why You Shouldn’t Install Shingles on a Flat Roof or Low Slope
Now that you know what a low slope roof is, let’s discuss why shingles shouldn’t be installed on them. First and foremost, installing shingles on a flat roof or low slope roof is considered improper installation by the shingle manufacturer. As per codes, a low slope roof is not steep enough for shingles to be installed.
This is because flat and low slope roofs collect water. They aren’t steep enough for water to flow down the gutter system. This can leave pools of water on your roof, and shingles are not meant to have sitting water on them.
This can lead to premature material failure, shortening the lifespan of your asphalt shingles. It can also cause leaks down the road, especially if a nail pops out or there are other problems in that area. Not only that, the manufacturer warranty will be voided, because the installation instructions weren’t followed.
Recommending Shingles on a Flat Roof or Low Slope Roof
We’ve discussed what a low slope roof is and why you shouldn’t install shingles on a flat roof, but let’s talk about why you would consider this option in the first place. Unfortunately, most of the time it’s because a roofing contractor recommended it. This could be from a lack of knowledge or experience, but usually it’s not an accident.
If a contractor says they will install shingles on a flat roof or a low slope roof, it’s more than likely their way of lowering prices to gain your business. This is a very deceiving sales tactic, and can make it extremely hard and confusing for the homeowner when comparing estimates.
For example, with a low slope or a flat roof, installing a membrane roofing system is the way to go to protect your roof investment. This can cost anywhere from $12.00 to $17.00 per square foot. Architectural asphalt shingles, however, will cost around $6.00 per square foot. There is a decent price difference between the two, which can lead to many homeowners choosing the more cost-efficient route.
However, if you install asphalt shingles on a flat roof, it will end up costing you more down the road. You will more than likely end up needing frequent repairs and/or a premature roof replacement. By choosing a contractor who recommends shingles on a flat roof or a low-slope roof to win your business, you’re ultimately setting your new roof up for failure.
Best Roofing Materials for Low Slopes and Flat Roofs
If you’ve made it this far, you are now an educated homeowner when it comes to your flat roof system, and know why you shouldn’t install shingles on a flat roof. You also may now recognize the importance of choosing an experienced, vetted and reputable roofing contractor to work with. Be wary of contractors who are willing to install shingles on a flat roof to cut costs and gain your business.
If you can’t use the most common roofing shingle on a flat roof, you may also be wondering, what are my options? To answer this question, we created a blog titled, “Flat Roof Installation [4 Things to Know].” This breaks down everything you need to know about your flat roof, including what type of roofing materials are best for flat and low-slope roofs.
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Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier resource for unparalleled service, craftsmanship and quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only that, we offer NO-COST initial consultations and inspections. For more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or click here to fill out an online form.