Here a few factors to consider: 1) Your roof is old. 2) Materials usually last between 12 and 20 years, depending on climate conditions. 3) Maybe your roof has been reroofed before without removing the first layer of shingles. 4) You’ve looked up to see cracked, curled or missing shingles or experienced a leak or two on the inside of the house.
This article has been update August 2020.
Asking the difference between a pitched and gently sloped roof is a bit like asking about the difference between modern and traditional architectural design. As a rule, traditional architectural design features reflect influences from Neoclassical, Colonial, Victorian, and Craftsman architecture. Common traits include big porches and pitched roofs. Modern architectural design includes features like large, expansive windows and flat (low-sloped) roofs. Both styles can be found in the hills and lowlands of the Bay Area.
In terms of how roofing materials differ and which type of roof is easier to repair, there are a number of things to consider. Roof pitch can determine whether one type of roof covering, say composite shingles, will work. If the pitch or angle of the roof is below a certain amount, you might have to use a single ply membrane system, like Duro-Last.
During these hot, sunny days, you may not be worried about whether your roof can be worked on when it is raining. If you live in Marin, Sonoma or Napa, you may want to think again. The devasting fires of the last few years and the ensuing rebuilding efforts are keeping contractors of all stripes very busy. That includes roofing contractors. This year’s fire season may make things even worse, as wildfires are currently burning throughout the state.