How To Determine Roof Pitch With A Speed Square

Roof pitch refers to the slope which the rafter creates.

How to determine roof pitch with a speed square.

Place the straightedge on the shingles in a direction perpendicular to the gutter. Measure the roof pitch with a speed square. Marvel at your mathematical. Use the torpedo level to make a plumb mark on the straightedge.

Leah s recommended tools for beginner diy ers. Place the pivot point against the shingles. A 12 12 pitch roof has a pitch angle of 45. You can assess this in two ways either as the roof pitch angles which the rafters make with the horizontal or the proportion between the run and the rise of the roof.

With a torpedo level and a speed square you can pretty accurately gauge the pitch of any roof with a gable end photo 1. Read the pitch on the side of the rafter square. Set the level on the edge of the speed square as shown below then place the heel of the speed square on a rafter or gable edge of the roof. Often you express roof pitch as the ratio between the rise and the run in the form of x 12.

Divide the first part of the ratio by 12 to work out the pitch. Measure the vertical distance from roof to level. Leah answers a viewer s question about how to calculate the pitch of a roof on a structure. To convert between american roofing ratios and pitch degrees follow these steps.

Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square. Check your results with the omni roof pitch calculator. The pitch can also be measured if only a level mark can be made. Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the rafter square and adjust the square until the level is level.

Because of its compact size it is frequently used as a saw guide when cutting framing members as well as a layout tool for quick 45 and 90 degree cuts. Hold the 0 mark of the tape measure against the roof. The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. Extend it upward so it is perpendicular to the level.