Get matched with top roofers in Weston, OH

The most common slope range for roofs on houses in snowy areas is between 4/12 and 6/12, or 50%. A roof with a slope of less than 10%, or roughly a 2/12 pitch, won’t be effective at shedding snow. However, roofs that are too steep can allow large amounts of snow to build up and fall all at once, creating a hazard for those on the ground.

Whether a metal or shingle roof is better for you depends on your preferences. Standing seam metal roofs require little to no maintenance, but if you install a screw-down metal roof where the fasteners are exposed, the gaskets on the fasteners will dry rot and need to be replaced. Generally, screw-down metal roofs need to be re-screwed every 15 to 20 years.

Metal roofs are energy-efficient and have extended warranties, while asphalt shingles are less durable than most. They tend to lose color and get damaged over time, and absorb heat from the sun.

Though cedar shakes often get confused with shingles, there are a few key differences between wood shakes and wood shingles. For one, cedar shingle prices are lower, although shingles are less durable than wood shakes. Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles (shingles range from about 3/8 to 1/2 inches thick, compared to 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick for shakes). Wood shakes are handmade, while shingles are usually machine-made. Also, wood shakes work better on steeper roofs than shingles do. While the cost of cedar shingles is more budget-friendly, there are many great reasons to choose shakes.

Re-roofing is the process of placing a layer of shingles over top of existing shingles, rather than pulling out those shingles and replacing them. Compared to a full roof replacement, re-roofing typically costs less and requires less labor and time. It's not an option for everyone, though. You may need a full roof replacement if your roof already has more than one layer of shingles. A full replacement may also be necessary if your roof has extensive damage.