@Mark Bischak, Architect yes we are in Florida (no snow). Just looking for people who may own low pitch roof homes and if any issues

We have a 1/12 and live where we get both rain and snow and have not encountered any big issues the rain runs off the snow usually melts before we need to shovel it off in the odd real snowy winter , we have shingles. We are thinking next time to go metal. IMO the roof should suit the house rs is a 1956 long low MCM ranch and IMO would look weird with any more pitch to the roof

The considerations are:

roof deck type

roof shape (hip or gable)

insulation

venting

vapor retarder

drainage

roofing material

wind zone

@Patricia Colwell Consulting thanks for your input. Lots to consider! But I’m wanting one side to go to a 2/12 pitch instead of a 3/12 and weighing the pros and cons

We've been using TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) for our near flat roofs. Great stuff. Make sure the drainage design is well thought out.

Conventional roof pitches are 4/12 and above. Under 4/12 your roofer needs to be more skilled and follow increased requirements that cost more.

The vast majority of commercial buildings have "flat" roofs. Why shouldn't it work for residential construction?

@Summit Studio Architects yes this is why it is so confusing ! i just a little lower slope to one side . Our detached garage will be flat but otherws all low slope

It just costs way more to do it right. Especially with hurricane design requirements. That’s a big big issue in FL. Big expensive issue. Giant single plane roofs can act as aerofoils and fly right off. Many locations will not approve such designs,

Pay attention to roof material. Lots of commercial roofs are flat or low-slope, but few of those are shingles or metal.

Any slope between 3 in 12 and 1/4" in 12 is considered a low-sloped roof and can be made to be waterproof if detailed properly but, in general, the lower the slope, the more it will cost because of the roofing, insulation, drainage and venting required.

Most shingle manufacturers recommend 3/12 pitch or greater and won't warranty their products for lower slopes. For lower slopes you'll need a membrane roof such as TPO or EPDM. I've seen metal roofs on very low slopes but have never done one.

Typically, asphalt shingle manufacturers recommend installing asphalt shingles on a slope of 4 in 12 or greater however most manufactures will warrant their shingles down to 2 in 12 if the recommended installation method is used. Currently that method is full coverage of Ice & Water Shield or one of its imitators. Be careful to read the instructions because some manufacturers require the use of their version of I&WS which can be inferior.

Its all about marketing; you must pay more for longer limited warranty that deceases in value every day. The warranty is the marketing tool that took the place of shingle weight per square when felt changed to fiberglass decades ago. The ultimate is a Lifetime warranty which apparently has no clear definition.

I specify full I&WS underlayment on all roofs regardless of the slope. Warranties protect you from a bad run at the factory and little else, I&WS is cheap instance for leaks for the duration.

I had a house with low slope porch roofs and the issue was more the transition from the higher slope to the lower slope. You need a good roofer to be able to handle it or make sure you do a standing seam metal roof with a full sheet in those areas. Also any protrusions into the roof or valleys are more likely to become issues with a low slope. You really need a roofer with experience in low sloped roofs.

As the slope of the roof decreases or becomes unequal in slope from one side to the other the structure of the house must change.

Its very unwise to design a house one element or aspect at at time. You should show us the current house design.

@res2architect here is an example of our home. our architect is still working on it but this was done by someone from Houzz and is a more recent look of changes we have done

$$$$$ and lots of chances for leaks.

Hip roofs are the most hurricane resistant.