Roof pitch - is 5:12 too "flat"?

9 years ago

We're building a 2400 sq ft rambler on 1.25 acres in Utah (Utah county). Keeping building costs low is a high priority for us -- our goal is [mostly] function over form (aka fancy stuff). So, would you go to a lower roof pitch-- from 6:12 down to 5:12 to save $1000? [That's a quote from the builder for the difference in roof pitches].

I definitely prefer the look of the 6:12 roof. Attached is a preliminary drawing of the front exterior with a 6:12 pitch. It seems like 5:12 might look too flat and squat. And, I tell myself...this is something that is not easily changed, ever...so it's something that's worth spending the money on now. The other side of me says, "the roof pitch isn't that big of a deal and 5:12 will probably be just fine....so save the money now".

What do you think?

Note: we're not being cheap on things that are more permanent or contribute to the quality of the structure itself. We're planning on saving money on interior finishes--the things that a person might want to update or upgrade in 5, 10, or 20 years anyway--and that are relatively easy to change.

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Comments (4)

caben15
9 years ago
We are remodeling our 1968 sidesplit ranch which was originally built with a 4:12. We are retaining that in most areas and reducing to 2.5:12 in others to increase ceiling heights.

Low pitches are very common on/thematically correct for western style ranches.
scrapbookheaven
9 years ago
I think with possible snow load in utah I would want the greater pitched roof. I just remember the winter of '92 and roof problems.
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ChrisStewart
9 years ago
I do not personally see that it will make much of a difference 5 or 6. This house although it is a contemporary rambler it has traditional elements and so a 7 pitch is probably more common -although in Southern Europe you could find a lot of roofs with 3 or 4 pitches.

Most of the low pitched roofs on ranch style houses would be fully hipped and not use gables -(which is adding another significant cost to this design)

You can find a lot with gables as well but generally not Dutch gabled and generally they would be of a simpler form.

So really I think that you need to decide for yourself if the extra costs are worth it. As far as resale value generally speaking higher pitched roofs are more popular than lower but many other factors effect resale value other than roof pitch and if you live there for 20 years who knows what will be in style then.
Bridget19
9 years ago
I don't think the roof looks flat. I love a hip style roof, we actually have to build our house with a hip roof for hurricane code. We are doing a 7:12 pitch.

Again, I think it's all personal preference.