What is the roof pitch?

Roof pitch is simply the slope created by the rafter. It can be assessed in two ways - either as the angle the
rafter makes with the horizontal or the proportion between the rise and the run of the roof.Roof pitch is often
expressed as a ratio between rise and run in the form of x:12. For example, a pitch 1:12 means that per every
twelve meters of building length the rise will be equal to one meter.

We can divide roofs into the following categories:

 Flat roofs are not perfectly flat in reality - they need a small slope for water runoff. Generally, these
roofs have a pitch from 1/2:12 to 2:12 (from 4.2% to 16.7%).
 Low pitched roofs have the pitch below 4:12 (33.3%). These are generally difficult in maintenance, as
they require special materials to avoid leaks.
 Conventional roofs have the pitch ranging from 4:12 to 9:12 (33.3% to 75%). They are the easiest ones
to construct and they are safe to walk on.
 High-pitched roofs often require additional fasteners. They hava a pitch that can be as high as 21:12
(175%).
How to calculate roof pitch?

Generally, roof pitch is calculated from the same formula that describes a right triangle. You can use the
following equations to find the length of the rafter and the slope:
rafter² = rise² + run² (from the Pythagorean theorem);
rise / run = pitch, where pitch is expressed in percent;
pitch = tan (angle), where angle is the roof pitch expressed in degrees.
If you want to find the roof pitch in the form of x:12, simply calculate the pitch and substitute 12 for the run
length. The value displayed as the rise will be your x.

Example

1. Measure the run length - it is the horizontal distance between the roof ridge and the wall of the
building. Let's assume it is equal to 6 m.
2. Measure the rise of your roof. Let's say it is equal to 1.5 m.
3. Calculate the rafter length, substituting these values into the following formula:
rafter² = rise² + run² = 1.5² + 6² = 2.25 + 36 = 38.25 rafter = √38.25 = 6.18 m
4. Calculate the roof pitch as the proportion of rise and run:
pitch = rise / run = 1.5 / 6 = 25%
 5. Recalculate this value into an angle:
angle = arctan(pitch) = arctan(0.25) = 14°

6. Finally, you can find the roof pitch in the form of x:12.

x = pitch * 12 = 0.25 * 12 = 3

7. The pitch of your roof is 3:12. It can also be written down as 25% or 14°.

What is a 4/12 roof pitch?

A 4/12 is a roof slope that rises by 4 meter for every 12 meters across. This forms an angle of 18.5°
between the horizontal section and the roof, and creates a gentle incline that is seen as a midpoint between a
low-pitch and medium-pitch roof. A 4/12 slope is enough to accommodate water runoff, but is not suitable for
regions that are affected by heavy snowfall. Standard asphalt and composition shingles are the best for a
4/12 roof; rubber and wood shingles are unsuitable.

What roof pitch is 30 degrees?

A 30° roof pitch is roughly the same as a 7/12 roof pitch. To convert from degrees to the American ratio:

1. Find the tangent of the angle, tan(angle). This gives you the pitch of the roof.
2. Multiply the pitch by 12 to find the x in the ratio x/12.

Calculation set out

All calculations should be done on a separate A4 sheet . Make sure it's logical set out because you may
need to refer to previous calculation figures. Write all dimensions down as well as you calculated figures.
Follow a similar procedure as shown below:

1. Rafter run = external width between the wall plates divided by two.

2. Rafter span = rafter run divided by cos .

3. Overhang = eaves width divided by cos (add dimensions for brick ).
4. Ridge strut = rafter run times tan °.
5. .New rafter span = rafter span found in 2) divided by two.
6. Vertical strut to underpurlin = ridge strut length divided by 2 (if u/p positioned at midspan).
7. Strut perpendicular to rafter = rafter span time tan °.
8. Determine the position of struts (usually on supporting walls).
9. If the distance between supporting walls is excessive a strutting beam may be needed.
10. Span of underpurlin can also be reduced if fan-strut is used.
11. Determine the length of the strut and the dimensions between the struts (or fan-struts).
12. Roof load width (RLW) = rafter span (if placed at midspan) otherwise ½ span1 + ½ span2.
13. Roof load area = RLW × (½ u/p span left + ½ u/p span right) or with fan struts
RLW × (½ u/p span left + ½ u/p span right + spread of fan strut).
14. Hanging beams are required if ceiling joist span is excessive.
15. Place hanging beams in center of room or if needed divide room length/width by 3 (4) and space them
equally.