What Is Low Slope Roofing?

Benefits

• Homeowners building additions such as porches or overhangs often choose low slope roofing because it does not require them to modify the original roof. To build a new roof with the same slope as the old roof would require remodeling the old roof's framing significantly.

Problems

• Low slope roofs often develop leaks sooner than higher slope roofs and the leaks can be more difficult to trace. Water tends to pool on low slope roofing instead of quickly running off, giving more time for it to work its way into tiny imperfections. Water that pools on low slope roofing during winter may freeze and the expansion of ice in cracks and crevices can cause further damage.

Materials

• Asphalt shingles perform better in high slope roofing applications. Materials that help gravity whisk water off low slope roofing include metal and double-coverage selvage, also known as roll roofing.