Understanding Roof Pitch

Pitch compares the roof s span to the rise while slope compares rise and run.

Understanding roof pitch.

The angle or pitch of a roof is calculated by the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. Roof pitch is the rise of the roof over the run of the roof. Mathematically the pitch of a roof is different calculation than roof slope. Roof pitch is indicated by the measure of vertical ascent they ensure for each twelve creeps of horizontal estimation.

They do not mean the same thing. How to measure roof pitch. This implies a rooftop that is 4 inches higher than it was 12 creeps back assessing on a flat plane is a four and twelve rooftop. For example a roof that rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run has a 6 in 12 pitch.

You ll often hear experts express pitch as x over y. The pitch of your roof is determined by the measurement of the vertical rise by the horizontal run. The rise is the height of the roof from the base to the top. The term pitch and slope are often used interchangeably which is incorrect.

For example given a roof with a rise of 4 feet and a span of 24 feet the pitch is 1 to 6 pitch which can be expressed as the fraction of 1 6. A 12 to 24 pitch is expressed as 1 2. For example if a roof is 8 feet high and spreads out from the center covering 12 feet in each direction the rise over the run would be 8 12. Because it is one of the many key elements that determine the safety of the roof over your head there is a very good reason to understand the purpose of roof pitch.