The minimum pitch for metal roofing varies depending on the profile of the metal. Profile, in the context of metal roofing, means the shape that the sheet of metal is bent into to form the panels. The pitch is measured in inches of vertical rise per foot of horizontal run, and the “5V-crimp” profile shown above requires a minimum slope of “three in twelve” or 3/12 (3-inches vertically per 12-inches horizontally). “Corrugated” metal roofing has the same minimum pitch.

   Profiles with a higher ridge at the panel connections can be installed lower. Also, pitch is often expressed in a shorthand style using just the first number. “PBR,” which is typically used for industrial metal buildings, can be installed as low as half-inch pitch, for example. And profiles like “standing seam,” which utilize a concealed connection to the roof deck, require only a one-and-a-half inch minimum pitch.

   Manufacturers specify a minimum pitch for each of the profiles they offer and, sometimes, they can be installed at a lower pitch if special underlayment or installation procedures are followed. For more information about metal roofing, we suggest visiting the website of Gulf Coast Supply and Manufacturing at www.gulfcoastsupply.com.

    Also, see our blog post How can I find out the age of a roof?

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• If my roof is not leaking, why does it need to be replaced?

• How can I be sure my roofing contractor got a permit?

• How many layers of roofing are allowed on a home? 

• Should I buy a house with an old roof? 

• What are those metal boxes on the roof?

• What does "lack of tab adhesion" in an asphalt shingle roof mean?

• Why do roof edges start leaking?

• Why do my dormer windows leak? 

• Do home inspectors go on the roof? Do they get in the attic?

• Should I put gutters on the house? 

• How much of a roof truss can I cut out to make a storage platform in the attic? 

• What's the difference between an "architectural" and a regular shingle roof? 

• What does a home inspector look for when examining a roof? 

• Do stains on the ceiling mean the roof is leaking?

• How can I tell if the house needs a new roof?  

• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a roof inspection?

• What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.