Welcome back to the Home Grown Roofing blog. For the past month, we’ve been navigating the unique challenges of mountain roofing. We’ve covered snow loads, high-altitude conditions, and ice dams. To wrap up our theme, our team wants to address a topic that combines both engineering and artistry: Steep Slope Roofing.
Many of the most stunning homes in our Colorado mountain communities feature complex, dramatic roof lines with steep pitches, multiple gables, and custom dormers. These architectural designs are beautiful, but they also present a significant challenge when it comes to roofing. A steep slope roof requires a specialized approach, from material selection to installation, to ensure it is both beautiful and completely weatherproof. At Home Grown Roofing, this is a challenge we embrace.
What Defines a Steep Slope Roof?
In the roofing industry, a roof is generally considered “steep slope” if it has a pitch of 4:12 or greater. This means that for every 12 inches of horizontal run, the roof rises 4 inches or more. Many of the custom homes in areas like Conifer and Breckenridge have pitches of 6:12, 9:12, or even steeper. While these designs are excellent for shedding snow, they create a high-stakes environment for installation. There is simply no room for error.
Material Selection for Steep Slopes
Not all roofing materials are suitable for steep slope applications. The material must not only look good on a dramatic pitch but also be securely fastened to resist gravity and high mountain winds. Here are some of the best options for a steep slope design:
- Standing Seam Metal: This is often our top recommendation. Metal panels can be custom-cut to long lengths, minimizing seams on a tall roof. The concealed fastener system is ideal for resisting wind uplift, and its durability is unmatched in a mountain environment.
- Designer Asphalt Shingles: High-quality architectural or designer shingles can be used effectively on steep slopes. However, they require a specific nailing pattern and often extra adhesive to ensure they are properly secured against wind.
- Synthetic Slate or Shake: These materials offer a premium look and are much lighter than their natural counterparts, which can be an advantage on a complex roof structure. They are designed to interlock, providing excellent security on a steep pitch.
The Critical Importance of Installation
On a steep slope roof, the quality of the installation is everything. It is a physically demanding and technically precise job that should only be undertaken by an experienced crew that specializes in this type of work. Safety is the first priority, requiring harnesses, roof jacks, and other specialized equipment.
Beyond safety, every detail must be perfect. Flashing around chimneys, valleys, and dormers is particularly complex on a steep slope and must be meticulously installed to prevent water intrusion. For homeowners looking for Steep Slope Roofing in Conifer, it is essential to choose a contractor who can showcase a portfolio of similar, successful projects.
Integrating Design and Functionality
A complex roof is a defining feature of a home’s architecture. The right roofing solution should enhance, not detract from, that design. We work closely with homeowners and architects to select materials and colors that complement the home’s style, ensuring the final product is a perfect marriage of form and function. This is what our Roofing Contractor Services are all about.
This post concludes our month-long series on Mountain Roofing Challenges. Next month, we’ll be shifting our focus to a topic every homeowner should understand: Spring Roof Maintenance Checklist: Preparing Your Roof After Colorado’s Harsh Winter.
Trust Your Steep Slope Project to the Experts
Your mountain home is a masterpiece. Its roof should be, too. If you have a complex or steep slope roofing project, don’t trust it to just anyone. Choose a team with the experience and expertise to do it right.
Have a complex roofing project? Contact Home Grown Roofing today for a consultation with our steep slope specialists!