Finding Roof Pitch With Framing Square

A roof s pitch is determined by how much it rises vertically for every foot it runs horizontally.

Finding roof pitch with framing square. A 12 in 12 pitch is a steep 45 degree angle roof. Thus a moderate 6 in 12 roof pitch means that the roof rises 6 inches vertically for every 12 horizontal inches it runs. If you can t get to your attic you can measure slope on your rooftop as long as it s safe to go up there. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square.

The roof pitch is important in determining the appropriate installation method and how much roofing material will be needed. Its uses extend into framing and laying rafters and stairs. Find the unit rise say inches per foot of the roof on the top line in the framing square rafter table e g. It can also be used as a straight edge finding and establishing right angles and marking cut off work on widestock.

Before you calculate roof pitch you ll need to measure the slope of your roof. Roof pitch or slope is a measure of vertical rise to horizontal run expressed in inches per foot. How to use a framing square and its etched on tables to figure out roof slope rafter lengths. This article explains how to make quick use of a framing square and its imprinted data to get some basic roof measurement data like roof pitch or slope rafter lengths and end cuts.

After measuring the slope estimate the roof pitch by dividing the slope by 2. Roof pitch is used to describe the slope or angle of the roof. How to find roof slope rafter length on a framing square how would we use our framing square to measure or to calculate the slope and rafter lengths of this historic herefordshire u k. The easiest way to do this is by accessing a rafter in your attic if you can.

See the image below for more explanation on rise run and pitch. A carpenter s framing square includes some tables stamped right into the tool itself. 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.