While high-pitched roofs are ideal in areas with high levels of snow and rain, they can pose a multitude of problems for professionals in the roofing industry. A high-pitched roof, which is a steep roofing system made up of angled pieces that join together, are widely popular in areas with heavy precipitation or heavy snowfall because they are less likely to develop leaks. This roofing style also creates more space inside of a home and can add to the architectural appeal of the property. While there are several advantages to consider, building and maintaining a high-pitched gable, hip, or intersecting roof tends to be more expensive because of the risk involved. Here are some of the main reasons why high-pitched roofs present potential problems for roofers that translate into a higher cost.
Increased Personal Risk
Roofing systems with a steeper slope have a tendency to add a greater personal risk for roofers. Just because roofers are trained to work on a roof does not mean that their training keeps them safe from risk. The steeper the slope of the roof, the greater the chances of a roofer losing their footing, slipping, and falling. Even when roofers follow safety practices there is a higher chance of injury when a steep roof is involved. When a job to install a roof or to repair the roof is more risky, the roofer must charge more because they are taking on this added risk.
Increased Workers Compensation Costs
Roofers already pay high expenses for general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance because of the nature of the business. Because more accidents occur on high-pitched roofing projects, contractors who specialize in these steep systems tend to pay higher insurance rates for worker’s compensation. The increased operational expenses will translate into increased service costs.
Extended Construction Time
Constructing a high-pitched roof is a much more involved process and will take a great deal of time for even the most experienced roofers to complete. Even a project that would be simple for a low-pitched roof, like replacing shingles, will take more time. In the business world, time is money, and roofers must charge a greater fee to install, repair, and replace high-pitched roofing systems because they are spending more time on one home when they could have been working on other projects.
Specialized Safety Equipment
There are special ladders that are equipped with hooks that will attach at the peak of the roof to keep roofers safer while they are working on a high-pitched roof. Depending on steepness, contractors may also need to use safety harnesses, which can lead to limitations and restrict how much work that can get done on any given day.
As you can see, a high-pitched roof can present complications for even the most experienced professionals in the roofing industry. This is why, as a homeowner, it is essential for you to interview several different contractors before you look at price. By interviewing licensed and experience roofers, you can narrow down your options and hire a contractor that you have confidence in. Like any roof, a high-pitched system must be inspected regularly and maintained. Because there is so much risk involved with working on steep roofs, be sure to leave all of the work to the professionals so that the job is done safely and properly.
Byline
Leonard Jones is a freelance writer based in the city of Boston, MA. Those in need of a roof should view the services offered by Dallas Roof.
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Even after I have weighed the financial disadvantages of choosing a high-pitched roof and the risks that building one involves, I still consider that this particular kind of roofing is essential. I am not only talking about the aesthetics but also about practicality and durability. Thank you for listing and explaining the pros and cons!
in remember when children were jumping from there roofs after watching “shaktimaan”. this is a serious problem. we should try not to make our roof more inclined. we should have a proper balance of slope and other things. this will surely result in less accidents.
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Yes this type of roofing system is used mostly in hill areas. Where snowfall occurs.
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High pitched roofs are favored by homeowners living in areas where there is heavy rainfall or snowfall. High pitched roofs are less likely to leak because water and the other elements do not form puddles in high-pitched roofs.
Nice job outlining the various factors that must be considered with the high-pitch type roof. We don’t see many of them in Florida, but they do compliment a certain style of home. Appreciate the fact that you addressed safety – a major issue with this type of architecture. Nice post.
We don’t install as many high pitch roofs around our area. We do a lot more flat, commercial jobs. They do definitely have their advantages, though.
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While I agree that steep roofs are dangerous for the owner and for the professionals, there really isn’t any way around it. Especially if you live in a snowy place like I do. It’s better to risk the accidents of a steep roof then have it fall in because of the weight of the snow.
Steep roofs do pose their challenges but an experienced roofing company should be able to overcome them. Unfortunately they are more common in areas with areas of high snowfall, which makes them even more tricky to work on.
Roofing Contractors in Woodbury, MN rarely follow the laws regarding OSHA and safety. It just causes roofing companies that follow the rules to be penalized with higher costs. And, as if those OSHA fines are not large enough alreay.
I am really excited to see how a free lancer understands the costs of a roofer. ” the roofer must charge more because they are taking on this added risk.” stated Praveen Rajarao, and I agree with him 100%. Homeowners tend to think that a roof is an hourly charge, but in reality, it is more than that. The risk is a huge factor when it comes working on the roof. I am glad I came across this article, I will be sure to spread this along to my new clients.
Thank you,
Yet another post I’m going share with my buddies on facebook. Thanks!
Great advice for when working at height!
Completely agree with you Praveen! Being a roofer, I know how it is important for the home owners to seek specialized people for their jobs as every roofer excels in a particular type of roof, so you are right about doing research and get the most experienced and acclaimed roofer for their tasks.
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It was fascinating to learn that there are specific ladders to use for high-pitched roofs. I like the idea of roofers being safe while they work, and high pitched roofs seem like some of the more dangerous ones to work on. It’s great that they’ve got the tools they need to stay safe while getting the job done.
Hello, High pitched roofs are favored by homeowners living in areas where there is heavy rainfall or snowfall. High pitched roofs are less likely to leak because water and the other elements do not form puddles in high-pitched roofs.
You describe both the pros and cons very well. Yes, there are cons but instead of it, it is helpful in many aspects and in my area most of the people prefer high pitched roofs. But your cons help in resolving the maximum problems.
Thank you for sharing the information. This article would help the people to know about the problem with the high pitch roofs and probably found the possible solution to it.
This is why I cannot underestimate a roofer’s work. It does not mean that if a roofer is trained that they do not expose themselves. I never realized that our local commercial roofing is handling a lot of high expenses for their insurance and worker’s compensation, in that case, we will need expert roofers to help us as well.
It is good to know that high-pitched roofs can take longer to build. That is great for me to know because my parents are thinking about building their “grandparent” home this upcoming year. They should consider if their roof design will take a long time to complete.
True, cleaning or maintaining the roof is quite difficult and the risk factor is more. Generally, my mom using a roof service provider to the restoration of the roof. Your blog is informative and nicely written!
Thanks for the information! It is always important to know the pros and cons before installing a new roof. You included some very good points on the safety risks inherent with high pitch roofs.
Definitely good info for anyone looking to buy a home. Know the cost… cleaning them is just as dangerous and also increases the price due to the risk factor. Good info 🙂
My parents are planning on building their “grandparent” house this August. They haven’t chosen a roof shape yet. It is good to know that a high-pitched roof can take longer to build. They might want to consult with a roofer about which shape will be best for their house because they would like the roof to be completed before the end of the year.
The high-pitched roof is designed for location who’s prone to snow and heavy rainstorm. Although it has the style and durability, might as well considered the pros and cons listed especially if you’re home is not located in this zone.
Thanks for letting me know that high-pitched roofs often require experienced roofers. One of my neighbors has this type and he’s having a hard time finding someone who could fix it. Since it might be a bit dangerous, I think he has to find insured roofers for the needed repair service.
It really helped when you said that roofing systems with a steeper slope can add a greater personal risk for roofers. As you said, there is a higher chance of injury when a steep roof is involved even when roofers follow safety procedures. I guess we should look for a roofing company on Monday that can replace our high pitch roofs within a week to ensure the safety of everyone.
Thank you for writing and publishing this.
Is there an alternative to high pitch roofs for a climate with a lot of precipitation?
In places prone to heavy rainfall and snowfall, having high-pitch roofs is more of a necessity than an option. Though expensive it is a good investment to have a safe protective roof at the top for a long period of time.
It is really important to be known about the problem with high pitch roofs and its solutions. Surely, people who are facing such problems must have been benefitted from this article. Thank you for sharing this article which was very informative.