Slate Roof Minimum Slope

Generally a slate roof is not installed on a pitch less than 4 12.

Slate roof minimum slope.

Express the slope of a metal roof by a ratio which indicates the pitch of the roof. Not only will slate shingles last longer on these steeper slopes but they will be more visible from grade and show off their natural beauty. In order to provide you with the opportunity to specify low pitched slate roofs below 20 with confidence siga commissioned the bre to carry out a set of tests. It is uncommon to find a roof below 15 but for those very low pitch applications there are interlocking clay pantiles available suitable for use down to 12 5.

The profile is the shape taken by the sheets when you bend them to form panels. A couple of likely slate suppliers are consulted and they confirm that they are happy to supply 600x300mm slates for a minimum roof pitch of 20 degrees assuming a minimum lap of 125mm. The minimum slope of a roof depends on the roof s profile. The following table provides the minimum required allowable roof slope for each type of roofing material mentioned in the code.

In general the minimum slope for a flat roof is 1 0 but as stated earlier this is only possible in theory. Traditionally a minimum roof pitch of 20 was recommended in bs 5534 but modern tiles and slates have now been designed for applications as low as 15. You need to consider the slope requirements of each panel to determine this minimum slope. Slate shingles minimum roof slope roof pitch r905 6 2.

Anything above a 8 12 is preferred and slopes in the 12 12 to 18 12 range are probably ideal. Generally the steeper the roof the better with regard to service life of slate. As per the nrca roofing and waterproofing manual fifth edition they recommend that roof deck slopes intended for the application of steep slope materials at 4 12 18 degrees or greater. Higher exposure or different sized slates necessitated a greater roof pitch of 22 5 or more.

It is agreed that the roof pitch should be a minimum of 20 degrees preferably a bit more. Conventional low pitch slate roofs are recommended down to a minimum of 20 in areas of sheltered or moderate exposure providing a 500x300mm slate is used and a headlap of 115mm. Wood shingles minimum roof slope roof pitch r905 7 2. For standing seam metal roof panel systems a 1 4 12 minimum roof slope is prescribed.

It takes the manufacturer s recommendations the unique conditions of the roof as well as the skills and the expertise of the installer to arrive at the right slope. For metal panel roof systems with nonsoldered seams with applied lap sealant ibc 2018 prescribes a 1 2 12 minimum roof slope. This means for every 12 horizontal units the roof must rise a minimum of 4 vertical units. This 1 4 12 minimum roof slope requirement also applies to spray polyurethane foam spf roof systems in new construction.