Unbeatable workmanship, warranty and value
Infinity Exteriors installs, inspects, repairs and replaces pitched commercial roofing systems for businesses across Wisconsin. We offer the lowest price and greatest value on steep slope roofs priced among commercial roofing contractors with comparable workmanship.
Before you invest in a roofing system for your commercial building, contact Infinity Exteriors for a free quote. We take pride in our work and guarantee you will be satisfied with your new steep slope roofing installation.
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What is a steep slope roof?
- The slope (pitch) of a roof is determined by how much it rises for every horizontal foot. The pitch is given as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal distance (run).
- A steep-slope roof is a roof with a pitch greater than 9:12 (meaning it rises more than nine inches for every 12 horizontal inches).
- Conventional sloped roofs have a pitch between 4:12 and 9:12.
- Low-slope roofs have a pitch between 1:12 and 4:12.
- Flat roofs have a pitch between .5:12 and 2:12.
So-called flat roofs are not perfectly flat because you always need some slope to drain water. Sometimes the terms flat roof and low-slope roof are used interchangeably.
Low slope vs steep slope: Price
The pitch of a roof affects the cost of roofing materials and installation. The steeper the slope, the more materials are needed to cover the roof. Steep-slope roofs may also require using more fasteners and adhesives to secure the roofing material.
Labor quotes are also generally higher for roofs too steep to be “walkable.” A roof is generally considered walkable if it has a pitch of 8:12 or lower. A steeper slope means increased safety precautions and equipment, and slower progress.
Low slope vs steep slope: Materials
Low-slope roof systems require waterproof roof membranes, reinforcement and surfacing to protect the building from weather, punctures and UV rays. Steeper roofs shed water much more easily and are more highly visible from the ground.
Coverings for steep-slope roofs include underlayment for extra weather protection and more attractive options such as shingles, tiles or wood shakes.
Low slope vs steep slope: Maintenance
Low-slope roofs have a lower profile and are less vulnerable to damage from strong wind and storms. Flat roofs reduce also energy costs since there’s less space between the roof and ceiling. Inspection and repair costs tend to be lower on walkable low-slope roofs.
A steep slope naturally provides better drainage, greatly reducing the risk of ponding and leaks. Attic space created by steeper roofs improves overall ventilation and can help prevent things like mold and rot.
Steep slope roofing materials
The most common roofing materials used on steep pitch roofs include asphalt shingles, slate, concrete or clay tiles, wood shakes and metal. Infinity Exteriors uses only the highest quality brands in roofing materials and completes every installation or repair perfectly in exact accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles (also called composition shingles) are the most popular and least expensive pitched roofing material for both commercial and residential roofing systems. The mat of asphalt shingles can either be made of fiberglass or organic material such as paper, cellulose or wood fiber. Glass fiber composition shingles are more modern and more common due to a lower price point. The shingle’s mat is saturated in asphalt and covered with weather and UV-resistant mineral granules.
Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors and are very fire resistant. Durable composition shingles are known for having a long service life, and they last even longer in cooler climates like Wisconsin.
Wood shakes and shingles
Wood shakes and wood shingles are often manufactured from naturally durable wood species like red cedar. Other types of wood, such as cypress and pine can be used if properly treated. Shingles are sawn from wood blocks and have a smooth, tapered appearance. Shakes are split from wood blocks, sometimes grooved, and have a more rustic look. Some shakes have a split face and a sawn back which provides a taper and a flatter surface for installation.
To prevent decay and maximize the lifespan of wood shakes or shingles it’s imperative to use experienced roofers to ensure flawless installation and timely maintenance services. Wood shakes and shingles are obviously more vulnerable to fire than composition roofing. Some species of wood shingles can be treated with fire retardants, but wooden roofing may not be suitable in very dry or tightly packed regions.
Slate roofing
Roof tiles made from slate are extremely durable and eye-catching. However slate is considerably heavier than asphalt or wood shingles, and not all roofs have the structural support needed to support tile roofing.
Roofing slate is dense and nonabsorbent. Because it’s naturally occurring, slate from different regions has different colors. Weathering also affects the color, though certain varieties of slate weather more slowly than others. Slate roofing is an important design element of many historic buildings, and an effective slate roof maintenance and repair program is a crucial part of preserving the character. With optimum manufacturing, installation and maintenance a slate roofing system could last a century or more.
Clay and concrete tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are strong, long-lasting and sustainable and cost less than slate. Clay roofing tiles are manufactured by molding clay into tile shapes and baking them. The density of the clay can be altered by adjusting the time and temperature when heating the tiles. Clay roofing tiles are available in a very wide variety of textures, colors, shapes and finishes. Accessory tiles can also be produced for gable ends and ridges.
Concrete roofing tiles are made by mixing Portland cement, sand and water and extruding the material on molds using high pressure. The tiles are then strengthened through curing. Much like clay tiles, concrete tiles come in many different colors, finishes and styles and can be made in special shapes for finials and ridges.
Steep slope metal roofs
Architectural sheet metal costs more to install compared to other roofing materials, but the initial investment more than pays off in both the short and long run.
The highly trained commercial roofers at Infinity Exteriors have the skills and experience to perfectly install a custom metal roof on your steep-sloped commercial building and answer any and all questions you may have.
Advantages of custom metal roofing
- Reduced homeowners insurance premiums
- Increased energy efficiency and reduced energy bills
- Very long-lasting (2 to 3 times longer than non-metal roofing)
- Very low maintenance
- Resists damage from UV rays, wind, hail and extreme temperatures
- Available in a wide range of designs, colors and styles
- Can be installed on top of an existing roof
Comprehensive commercial pitched roof services in Wisconsin
Infinity Exteriors provides the best value in low-slope and steep-slope commercial roofing throughout Wisconsin. Our expert roofers complete perfect installations, reliable repairs and full inspections to ensure your roof protects the integrity of your building. You won’t find a lower price among reputable roofers, and if you do—we’ll beat it. Our company has locations across the state -- including Appleton, Madison, and Milwaukee -- and we’ve roofed more Wisconsin homes and businesses than anyone else.