The short simple answer is 2 12 has traditionally been considered the absolute minimum acceptable roof slope suitable for asphalt shingles.
2 12 pitch roof options.
Asphalt shingles continue to be the most widely installed roof covering option in north america.
This measurement is best done on a bare roof because curled up roofing shingles will impair your measurement.
The picture below shows the pitch of a 7 12 roof slope meaning that for 12 of horizontal measurement roof run the vertical measurement roof rise is 7.
There are some standing seam metal roofing options available from atas and other manufacturers that can be installed on a roof with pitch of 1 12.
So you would need to pick the right option as most regular standing seam metal roofs will require a roof pitch of 2 12 or even 3 12 at a minimum.
The ratio can be indicated by a division slash separating the numbers such as 2 12 or 7 12.
What is the best value price compared to life compared to ease of installation material to go on top of shingle on a 2 12 pitched roof that is also comparatively easy for a handy man homeowner to install considering in order of importance price vs expected life time vs ease of installation.
Roof pitch designations are comprised of two numbers indicating a ratio.
Current as of august 2020 asphalt shingles are an effective roof covering material for sloped roofs that can be successfully used on slopes as low as 2 12.
I ve been reading and reading but haven t found a good answer.