There are two different meanings to the term "pitch" when it comes to roofs.The steepness of the roof is what most people mean by it.The term "slope" and "pitch" are used by some carpenters to describe the roof's overall dimensions.The two terms are distinct to avoid confusion, and are taught in this article.
Step 1: Access a rafter.
The most accurate way to find the slope is to measure from the underside of the roof.A rafter in the attic is a good measurement.There is a rafter at the end of the roof.The side of the gable has a barge rafter on it.
Step 2: There is a level against the underside of the rafter.
The underside of the rafter should be placed against the end of a carpenter's level.The bubble should be centered between the two lines.
Step 3: There is a mark on the level.
If you don't have inch marking, use a tape measure and draw on a 12 inch mark.The measurement in the US is 12 inches.You can use any units if you don't have an imperial ruler.Measure at least this size (12 inches / 30 cm) using the same unit.
Step 4: Measure the vertical distance from the level to the rafter.
Attach your tape measure to the level.Measure the distance from the 12 inch mark to the underside of the rafter.Make sure the level stays in place.
Step 5: The slope can be found.
The slope of your roof is a ratio of vertical distance to horizontal distance.Take the measurements you found and write them down.There is no need to simplify them.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."A lot of people are interested in this measurement.The definition of pitch is different in technical terms.If you don't know if you have the right measurement, look for the pitch.
Step 6: The roof is safe to walk on.
You can take a look at the roof surface on a ladder.Don't walk on a wet or icy roof, a very steep roof or one with obvious structural damage.Even a mild slope can be dangerous to walk on if the roofing material is loose or slippery.The best time to walk on a roof is when the sun is out.slates can easily be broken by stepping on them, so never walk directly on a slate roof.To prevent damage to slates and to mitigate fall hazard, special scaffolding equipment is required.Curled shingles or other non-flat roof coverings make this method less accurate.Measure from the rake board at the edge of the roof.Basketball shoes or sneakers with soft soles should be clean and dry.These are less likely to leave footprints on your roof.
Step 7: On a carpenter's level, measure 12 inches.
The marker should be used to mark the length.There is a ruler on the side of many levels.
Step 8: You should organize your tools.
The level, tape measure, paper, and pen should be put in a bucket or tool belt.You should be able to move around easily while carrying the tools.It is possible to lock your tape measure in an extended position before you climb.You don't need much more than 12 inches.
Step 9: The level should be positioned.
Place one end of the level against the roof.If the horizontal vial's bubble is between the two lines, pivot it up or down.If the roof is bumpy, lay a flat board over it.The board is against the end of the level.If you want to minimize the chance of slipping, sit down.
Step 10: Measure the distance from the roof to the level.
The tape measure is against the roof.If you extend it upward, it will be in line with the level.Move the tape measure along the roof until it hits the 12-inch mark.Write down the vertical distance on the tape measure.
Step 11: The slope of the roof is calculated.
Write the ratio of "rise over run" or vertical distance over horizontal distance on the roof slope.The slope is 6:12 if your tape measure found a 6 inch vertical distance to the 12 inch mark on your level.The second number of the ratio is usually 12 in the United States.There is no need to make the ratio simpler.
Step 12: Define the slope.
The slope is the most useful measurement when considering roofing material and rain water.Slope is the correct term for the ratio of vertical to horizontal distance on the roof.The terms slope and pitch are used interchangeably by carpenters.If one side of the roof rises by 8 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance, it has a slope of 8 in 12.
Step 13: Understand the structure of the roof.
The roof pitch is the ratio of total vertical roof height to total horizontal distance from wall to wall.Most homeowners don't need to measure pitch, but it's still important to understand it.If you misinterpret "pitch" to mean "slope", your calculations will be way off.Both terms are used to mean "slope."Ask if there's any confusion about which measurement they're talking about.If the ridge is 8 feet above the walls and the roof is 32 feet from wall to wall, the pitch has an 8 to 32 pitch.
Step 14: Find the field.
If you need to calculate the pitch, an estimate or shortcut is more practical than measuring the roof's overall dimensions.For a simple gable roof, the span will be twice the size of the run.To get the pitch, divide the slope by two.The span is the same as the run for a roof with a ridge above one wall.The slope is the same as the pitch.You may need to calculate it section by section for more complex roofs.Special conversion charts are used by carpenters to estimate the roofing material required.