How Steep Should A Roof Be

High and low pitch examples.

How steep should a roof be.

In roofing it is expressed in inches of vertical rise over inches of horizontal run. Roof pitch is the measurement of roof steepness. Steep slope roofing the slope of a roof is often referred to as the pitch. Examples of extreme slopes range from 1 4 12 almost flat to 12 12 sloping down at a perfect 45 degree angle.

In degrees 10 2 in 12 or 1 in 6 is considered a minimum. So if your roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal length then the pitch of your roof is expressed as 4 12. Definitions vary on when a roof is considered pitched. A ratio is the most common way of expressing roof pitch or roof slope but degrees are also possible.

Flickinger cites the nrca roofing and waterproofing manual 4th ed. The exact roof slope in degrees is given by the arctangent. For most home styles roof pitches fall in a range 4 12 a moderate slope up to 8 12 fairly steep. The way pitch also known as roof slope is measured is rise over run.

Make way for snow. Remember that snow cannot get through tight spaces easily passed by water. Our steep roof photo shows quite a few shingles lost from this rather steep church roof slope. So the pitch of a roof is determined by how many inches the slope rises for every 12 inches it runs horizontally.

Avoid tight dormer spacing tight valleys and other roof configurations that would restrict. A roof with x rise 12 run slope means that for every 12 inches horizontally run it rises x inches. For every 12 horizontal feet the roof changes 8 feet in vertical height. Roof designs should allow wide paths for snow movement.

Pitched roofs including gabled and hipped roofs are the most common types in the united states. A flat roof would have a 2 12 pitch while the average roof pitch would be between 4 12 and 9 12. A 4 12 pitch being 4 inches of vertical rise over one foot or 12 inches of horizontal run. Any pitch higher than 9 12 is considered a steep pitch.

The slope or pitch of the roof is determined by the vertical rise in inches for every horizontal twelve inch 12 length called the run. Avoid roof configurations that include a high steep roof intersecting a lower flatter roof surface. There are advantages and disadvantages to having a steep pitch versus a shallow or low pitch the most obvious of which is the roof s ability to shed or withstand. About 50 of the roof is at a 2 12 slope providing a fairly comfortable climb for visitors says blau.