Calculating a Roof's Pitch
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_L_H]Jennifer L H
Although you roof's pitch is typically given to you with your roofing estimate, knowing how to calculate this on your own can be useful. You can use this information to help when you need to order supplies or give potential contractors more information about a pending project. Calculating your roof's pitch isn't very complicated as long as you have the right formulas and accurate measurements.
You will need two measuring tools (like a ruler) and a level to get the job done right. Slopes are measured in twelves. When you are told that a roof has a slope of 7/12 the roof is seven inches high for every twelve inches it is long. This number can also be expressed as the roof having a rise on 7 and a run of 12. After you understand what the fraction, or rise and run mean, it is much easier to understand roof pitch measurements.
To measure your roof hold your measuring tool horizontal with the bottom pressed against the edge of the roof and then use a level to ensure that it is perfectly straight. Next, take the second measuring tool and hold it vertically from the end of the first ruler. Check the second ruler with the level to make sure it is exactly vertical. The number where the ruler meets with the bottom of the roof is the rise or top number of the fraction. Using a tape measure is easier than trying to do this with a ruler, because you'll be able to hook the end of the measuring tape to the end of the roof. Putting this number over 12 will give you your roofs slope. If you live in a country that uses the metric system, pitches are expressed in degrees. Most roofs are built at a pitch of more that 20 degrees.
Knowing your roof's slope with tell you whether it is a steep-slope, flat or low-slope. Flat roofs are almost perfectly flat; however, they need some pitch to allow for drainage. These coverings typically have a pitch of 1/12 - 2/12. Low-pitch usually have a pitch of 2/12 - 4/12. Steep-slope, sometimes found on houses located in snowy areas, have a slope of 4/12 or higher. Some roofs can even have a slope of 18/12. These can be dangerous spaces to work on and homeowners should take care when attempting DIY repairs to steep-slope roofs.
Learning to measure your roof's pitch is fairly easy; but, if your roof requires professional long term repairs I recommend contacting a [http://www.qualityroofingdenver.com/]Denver roof company. The professionals at Quality Roofing can help you with any roofing issues you have. If you have a question about any [http://roofdenver.blogspot.com/]roofing services give them a call at 303-419-7276 or visit their Denver location at 10510 W 102nd Ave Broomfield, CO 80021.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Calculating-a-Roofs-Pitch&id=7685294] Calculating a Roof's Pitch
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_L_H]Jennifer L H
Although you roof's pitch is typically given to you with your roofing estimate, knowing how to calculate this on your own can be useful. You can use this information to help when you need to order supplies or give potential contractors more information about a pending project. Calculating your roof's pitch isn't very complicated as long as you have the right formulas and accurate measurements.
You will need two measuring tools (like a ruler) and a level to get the job done right. Slopes are measured in twelves. When you are told that a roof has a slope of 7/12 the roof is seven inches high for every twelve inches it is long. This number can also be expressed as the roof having a rise on 7 and a run of 12. After you understand what the fraction, or rise and run mean, it is much easier to understand roof pitch measurements.
To measure your roof hold your measuring tool horizontal with the bottom pressed against the edge of the roof and then use a level to ensure that it is perfectly straight. Next, take the second measuring tool and hold it vertically from the end of the first ruler. Check the second ruler with the level to make sure it is exactly vertical. The number where the ruler meets with the bottom of the roof is the rise or top number of the fraction. Using a tape measure is easier than trying to do this with a ruler, because you'll be able to hook the end of the measuring tape to the end of the roof. Putting this number over 12 will give you your roofs slope. If you live in a country that uses the metric system, pitches are expressed in degrees. Most roofs are built at a pitch of more that 20 degrees.
Knowing your roof's slope with tell you whether it is a steep-slope, flat or low-slope. Flat roofs are almost perfectly flat; however, they need some pitch to allow for drainage. These coverings typically have a pitch of 1/12 - 2/12. Low-pitch usually have a pitch of 2/12 - 4/12. Steep-slope, sometimes found on houses located in snowy areas, have a slope of 4/12 or higher. Some roofs can even have a slope of 18/12. These can be dangerous spaces to work on and homeowners should take care when attempting DIY repairs to steep-slope roofs.
Learning to measure your roof's pitch is fairly easy; but, if your roof requires professional long term repairs I recommend contacting a [http://www.qualityroofingdenver.com/]Denver roof company. The professionals at Quality Roofing can help you with any roofing issues you have. If you have a question about any [http://roofdenver.blogspot.com/]roofing services give them a call at 303-419-7276 or visit their Denver location at 10510 W 102nd Ave Broomfield, CO 80021.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Calculating-a-Roofs-Pitch&id=7685294] Calculating a Roof's Pitch