How to measure roof pitch

Whether you are constructing a roof on a home or shed, repairing an existing roof or simply evaluating the potential for a new kind of shingle for your structure, one of the first things you will need to understand is the roof pitch. The pitch refers to the angle of your roof, and can have a huge effect on the kinds of roofing you choose to apply. Determining pitch requires some basic geometry and calculations, but for many it can be done from right inside your attic. Learn the basic methods for determining roof pitch, the calculations involved, and how a professional roofing contractor can make sure you get it right.

How to Measure Roof Pitch

Knowing how to measure roof pitch first requires that you understand exactly what it is. Roof pitch is the angle of your roof—or the number of inches that it vertically rises for every foot of horizontal area. If for example, the roof goes up by 6 inches for every foot, the pitch is referred to as 6-in-12, because for every 12 inches flat, it goes 6 inches up.

It is important to know this pitch when you are performing home renovations. Circumstances in which you will need to know pitch include installing a skylight, cutting a new rake board, designing an addition to your house, or even, in some cases, conducting repairs on a damaged roof. If the simple calculations below seem confusing, an excellent professional roofer such as those you can find through ServiceWhale will be able to determine the pitch for you very quickly.

Measure Level

You will need a level, a tape measure and a pencil to undertake this process. The first step is to measure one foot from the end of a level and mark it. That gives you your standard measure as well as a means to find the rise.

Measure Vertical Rise

Once you have your 12-inch level measured, you will calculate the rise. Place the level against the roof rafter, and hold it horizontally level. While maintaining this level (which may require a platform on which to rest the level or a second set of hands), measure straight up from the 12-inch mark to the rafter. This will give you the number of inches of rise.

Mark Down Your Pitch

That is it—it is that simple! Mark down your pitch. If your roof rises eight inches from the level’s 12-inch mark, your pitch is 8-in-12. If it goes up four inches, it is 4-in-12. Now that you have the pitch, you’ve taken the first important step towards your next home renovation project.

Of course, many roofing projects require specialized knowledge and tools, and tackling them on your own is not always the best idea. Take some time to review the ServiceWhale method for finding the very best local professional and top rated roofing contractors in your area, and log on to get started with your next home renovation project today!