How To Determine Roof Pitch With A Speed Square

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How to determine roof pitch with a speed square.

Measure with a speed square a speed square and level can be used to easily find the pitch of a roof. Set the level on the edge of the speed square as shown below then place the heel of the speed square on a rafter or gable edge of the roof. Place the straightedge on the shingles in a direction perpendicular to the gutter. Check your results with the omni roof pitch calculator.

Move the tape measure along the the roof until it hits the level at exactly the 12 inch mark. Find the inverse tangent of the pitch to find the angle in degrees. The pitch can also be measured if only a level mark can be made. Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square.

The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. With a torpedo level and a speed square you can pretty accurately gauge the pitch of any roof with a gable end photo 1. Leah answers a viewer s question about how to calculate the pitch of a roof on a structure. Divide the first part of the ratio by 12 to work out the pitch.

Measure the roof pitch with a speed square. Roof pitch refers to the slope which the rafter creates. Often you express roof pitch as the ratio between the rise and the run in the form of x 12. A 12 12 pitch roof has a pitch angle of 45.

To convert between american roofing ratios and pitch degrees follow these steps. Extend it upward so it is perpendicular to the level. Marvel at your mathematical. Hold the 0 mark of the tape measure against the roof.

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. Use the torpedo level to make a plumb mark on the straightedge. Read the pitch on the side of the rafter square. Then place a torpedo level on the fat base of the rafter square and adjust the square until the level is level.