Using A Protractor To Find Roof Pitch

Measured rafter run rr 17 ft.

Using a protractor to find roof pitch.

Lower the measuring tape to the surface of the roof 12 away from where the level meets the roof. The value displayed as the rise will be your x. For example if you find 4 inches of height with the tape measure at the 12 inch mark on the level your slope is 4 12 or 4 in 12. Either way let s see how you can calculate the slope of a roof without using a roof slope calculator.

If a magazine such as finehomebuilding is going to put out an article to teach a topic it should use the proper words and definitions. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square. Roof pitch refers to the amount of rise a roof has compared to the horizontal measurement of the roof called the run. This tool is for carpentry plumbing electrical or hvac work that requires accurate pitch or slope identification.

Here are a few methods to easily find the roof slope on your existing shed. A roof slope of 4 12 is a 1 6 pitch a 6 12 slope is a 1 4 pitch an 8 12 slope is a 1 3 pitch and so on. Just write down the measurements you found. The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters.

Or 17 x 12 204 in. Half of the scale is printed in 0 to 90 degrees in 2 quadrants. The slope of your roof is the ratio of vertical distance rise to horizontal distance run. This johnson pitch and angle locator is made of black high impact plastic.

There s no need to simplify them. Roof slope calculator example of use. If we know the roof run and rafter length we find the roof slope by calculation or we use the framing square table just below and then easily find the roof rise. Learn more about finding the angle of a line using our slope calculator.

Go on your roof and put one corner of the level on your roof then bring it up so it is level with the earth. Let s assume it is equal to 6 m. The most precise way to find the roof s slope is by measuring it from the underside. 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.

Measure the run length it is the horizontal distance between the roof ridge and the wall of the building. Access one of the rafters then take the measurement this way. Common roof pitches and equivalent grade degree and radian angles. If you want to find the roof pitch in the form of x 12 simply calculate the pitch and substitute 12 for the run length.

I hear read all too often this misuse and usually ignore it. A pitch over 9 12 is considered a steep slope roof between 2 12 and 4 12 is considered a low slope roof and less than 2 12 is considered a flat roof. Most roof s have a pitch in the 4 12 to 9 12 range. Measuring the slope from the rafters.

To see how pitch impacts the look of a garage and changes cost click the design center button on our pole barn kits page.