How To Measure Roof Pitch With Speed Square? (3 Steps)

How To Measure Roof Pitch With Speed Square

Speed squares are a wallet-friendly tool and offer numerous benefits. This tool is available in every woodworker or carpenter’s toolbox. The reason is that you can accomplish various tasks using a speed square. It is much more efficient in quick scribing, finding angles, measuring roof pitch, etc.

Technically, speed squares are also known as rafter squares. With this tool, you can conveniently measure roof pitch. Let’s look at how to measure roof pitch with speed square from below.

How to Measure Roof Pitch with Speed Square?

Speed squares are compact in size and a popular carpenter’s tool. Due to its size, it is used as a saw guide too often. Also, making a 45° or 90° angle cut is so simple with it. Finding the roof pitch will be comfortable once you determine the right scale markings.

Required ingredients:

  • A speed square
  • Pencil
  • Level

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Step 01: Vertical Line Creating

We will need to create a vertical line and plumb on one face of the existing rafter; we can do it conveniently using a pencil and level.

Step 02: Place the Pivot Point on the Square

The pivot point must be placed on the square, against the rafter’s bottom, and with the pencil mark to align the square at a 90° angle.

Step 03: Note Down the Scale Number

Note the “common” scale number parallel to the square’s 45° angle. You will know the rise angle of the roof by the hash marks with equivalent numbers between 1 – 30. The roof pitch should be read this scale crossed the rafter’s bottom.

Finding pitch using a speed square

Learning What Pitch is

If you plan to get a quote from a service provider for a probable renovation of your home, you should know some basic information that will effectively describe the pitch’s general terms.

Pitches come in 3 different types.

Low-Pitched

Below 3 ½” is generally known as low-pitched. This roof type is not a good performer with asphalt shingles. Moreover, frequent maintenance is required compared to other roofs.

Medium Pitched

From 3 ½” – 7 ½” is known as medium pitched. Most homeowners in the US follow a medium-pitched roof in their houses. Also, this roof type does well with asphalt shingles. Special maintenance is also not necessary for medium-pitched roofs.

Steep-Pitched

This roof measures more than 7 ½”. Since the roof is too steep, special equipment is necessary when working on the roof or replacing shingles. Otherwise, materials or workers may skid off from the roof. You will love to know that steep-pitched roofs do not require as much maintenance, and frequent tile replacement is unnecessary.

Why is it Essential to Know the Roof Pitch?

If you are not planning to install or renovate a new roof, it is essential to know the roof pitch. This will help you to know the pitch description and precise slope of your roof. Learning about the pitched roof ensures that your contractor uses the right material for your roof. Similarly, the long lifespan of the roof is also guaranteed.

Last Thoughts

Professionals need to know which pitch roof they are working on to keep themselves free from accidental falls from the roof.

By reading this article on measuring roof pitch with a speed square, measuring the pitched roof will be effortless. The process has only easy-to-follow steps, which means the whole process is hassle-free. Take your speed square and figure out the pitched roof following the steps above.