How To Measure The Pitch Of A Roof

For a simple gable roof the span wall to wall will be twice the size of the run wall to ridge horizontally.

How to measure the pitch of a roof. Roof pitch refers to the amount of rise a roof has compared to the horizontal measurement of the roof called the run. Roof pitch is the angle that is created as the rafter leaves the ceiling joist. One method to find the pitch is to climb on the roof and measure the rise for a 12 run. Take a measurement of 12 inches using a level.

This method tends to be more accurate because no layers of roofing are involved. Pitch measurement method 1 1. The slope is the same as the pitch. The measurements are taken from the bottom of the rafters the procedure to calculate roof pitch is the same.

First measure 12 inches from one end of the level and make a mark. On the roof hold the level perfectly level and measure the height from the roof to the level 12 inches away from where the level touches the surface this will be the rise. To use this method there are 3 possible places to take your measurements. On a ladder beside the roof place the level a foot or so up the roof hold it level and measure from the 12 inch mark on the level s bottom straight down to the roof.

Then in the attic place the end of the level against the bottom of a roof rafter and hold it perfectly level. Position your level against the roof until the bubble of the vial sits between two lines. Check the surface of the. Let s assume it is equal to 6 m.

The roof s pitch is the number of inches the roof rises in 12 inches. Roof slope calculator example of use. For a roof with the ridge above one wall the span is the same as the run. Let s say it is equal to 1 5 m.

Calculate the rafter length substituting these values. It can also be represented as the proportion between the rise and the run of the roof for example for every 1 metre in width the roof rises 1 metre in height or otherwise known as 45 degrees. Measure the rise of your roof. To see how pitch impacts the look of a garage and changes cost click the design center button on our pole barn kits page.

Next measure vertically from the 12 inch mark on the level straight up to the underside of the rafter as illustrated below. For more complex roofs you may need to calculate it section by. If this distance measures 4 inches you have a 4 in 12 pitch. Therefore mark off 12 inches on the level and place it down horizontally against the roof rafter.

Before taking any measurements you must first confirm that it s safe to walk on your roof. Measure the run length it is the horizontal distance between the roof ridge and the wall of the building. 8 inches and you have an 8 in 12 pitch.