Sometimes, the pitch is also expressed in fraction form using a fraction with a slash, such as 6/12.įor example: let’s find the angle in degrees for a roof with a 4 in 12 pitch. Thus, the pitch is the ratio of the rise in inches to a 12-inch run and is often expressed using a semicolon, for example, 6:12. A roof that rises 6″ vertically for every 12″ horizontally has a 6″ per foot, or a 6 in 12 pitch. Meaning that the roof is measured 12″ in from the edge in a horizontal line, then measured from this point straight up to where the roof intersects. Roof pitch, or slope, is a measure of vertical rise to horizontal run expressed in inches per foot, which is referred to as rise over run. It’s also an important factor in cold climates for calculating snow load.
Knowing a roof’s pitch is essential in determining what type of material should be installed on the roof, the appropriate installation method, and how much roofing material you’ll need. Roof pitch describes the slope, or angle, of the roof.Įven flat roofs have a pitch, albeit a small one, as that slope is required to prevent rain and snow from gathering. All of these roofs have one thing in common however, they all have what is known as a pitch. They may range from flat to very steep, some may have curves, and others may have multiple peaks and valleys.
