A roof that rises 4 inches for every 1 foot or 12 inches of run is said to have a “4 in 12” slope. … The slope ratio represents a certain amount of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run. For example, a “4 in 12” slope can be expressed as the ratio of 4:12. A “6 in 12” slope is expressed as 6:12.

Is a 4/12 roof steep?

OSHA defines a “steep roof” as any roof with a rise/run ratio over 4:12 (18.43 degrees). Architecturally described as a “dramatic pitch,” the extremely steep roof (ESR) is considered to have a pitch in excess of 12:12, up to a plumb vertical plane. …

What percentage is a 4/12 roof?

Roof Slope (Standard Roof Pitch)Roof Slope (Degrees)Roof Slope (Percentage)4:1218.43°33.33 %5:1222.62°41.67 %6:1226.57°50 %7:1230.26°58.33 %

Is 4/12 A good roof pitch?

As well, a slope of 4:12 is most commonly considered the lowest slope for “standard shingle installations”. Most manufacturer and industry recommendations require, or at the very least recommend, special underlayment or other considerations on roofs between 2:12 and 4:12.

Which roof pitch is best?

For metal panel roof systems, NRCA recommends slopes of 1/2:12 or more for structural panel systems and 3:12 or more for architectural panel systems. For asphalt shingle, clay and concrete tile, metal shingle, slate and wood shake and shingle roof systems, NRCA recommends slopes of 4:12 or more.

What is the most common roof pitch?

Conventional slope roofs are most common with residential roofs. This means the slope has a pitch between 4/12 and 9/12 on most homes. Roofs with a pitch exceeding 9/12 are called steep slope roofs.

What is the steepest pitch roof?

A 9/12 roof pitch (36.37 degrees). is the steepest standard slope. Anything above a 9 over 12 is considered steep slope.

What is a 2% roof slope?

PitchGrade (slope)Degrees1/4:122.1%1.2°1/2:124.2%2.4°1:128.3%4.8°2:1216.7%9.5°

What is the height of a 4/12 pitch roof?

A 4/12 roof pitch indicates the roof rises 4 inches in height for every 12 inches, as measured horizontally from the edge of the roof to the centerline. The gentle slope of a 4/12 pitch roof falls on the cusp between low-pitch and moderate-pitch.

How steep of a roof can you walk on?

Most roofers consider a roof a “ Walk “ until it is 8/12 or more. So a common roof pitch of 4/12 or 6/12 would be OK to walk on . An 8/12 roof or steeper usually requires roof jacks or scaffolding .

Article first time published on

What is the best roof pitch for snow?

Roofs in snowy climates should have a slope of at least a 10-degree pitch minimum. A steeper angled roof sheds the snow more quickly. While the angle of the roof helps shed snow, adding too many angles to the roof for a more aesthetic effect could cause structural problems with snow shedding in the wintertime.

What is the cheapest roof to build?

Generally, a gable-style roof with asphalt roofing shingles is one of the most affordable roofs you can build on a residential home. Asphalt shingles typically cost $150-$400 per square foot, excluding installation costs. Simplifying your roof design and lowering its pitch can also help you save money.

What pitch should a flat roof be?

What Pitch is a Flat Roof? If flat roofs are to work well, they have to have a slope, known as a fall, to shed rainwater. The fall should never be less than 1:80 and preferably about 1:40.

What is the rise on a 4/12 pitch?

What is a 4/12 roof pitch? A 4/12 is a roof slope that rises by 4 inches for every 12 inches 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.

What degree is a 4 pitch roof?

Roofs with a pitch of 4/12 are approximately 18.4 degrees, depending on how exact you’d like to be in your measurement. Check out our roof angle chart for more examples of the exact angles (expressed in degrees) of common roof pitches.

Is a higher pitch roof better?

Fewer snow worries: Even without cold roof systems, a steep roof generally is better inside a snowy environment. … Ice will melt more easily on the steep slope and prevent the build-up of ice dams or patches which may force moisture down into the roof.

How tall is a 4/12 truss?

A 4 / 12 pitched roof simply means that the roofline rises 4 feet in height for every 12 feet of depth. For example, if the peak of your roofline is 18 feet from the outer wall where it starts, and the wall as a 4 by 12 pitch, then that means that the roof would be 6 feet in height above where it started at the wall.

Is a 7/12 roof pitch walkable?

But the 7/12 roof pitch is the most common residential roof pitch in which roof rafter rises 7 inch for every 12 inches or 1 foot horizontal distance or run. 7/12 roof pitch step is enough to shed water quickly and also being non comfortable for walkable.

Is a 3/12 roof pitch good?

Any roofs up to 3:12 are generally considered “low slope.” In the residential arena, we see lower slope roofs as part of the home’s architectural design. … Then, when you get into roofs of 3:12 or greater pitch, most other metal roofs can be used and that generally is the pitch requirement for asphalt shingles as well.

Is Birdsmouth cut necessary?

A lot of force is transferred down the length of the rafter, and the seat cut on the birdsmouth transfers that force directly to the top plate. … In general, while the ripped-strip installation does eliminate the need to make two cuts for the birdsmouth, it’s debatable whether there are any real labor savings.

Is a truss roof cheaper than a cut roof?

When looking at the price differential of trussed rafters and loose timbers, a truss solution, although using smaller timber sections will generally, for the supply element, be slightly more expensive. … On the majority of structures, a Trussed Rafter roof will be more affordable than a site cut roof.

What is valley rafter?

Definition of valley rafter : the rafter running from the wall plate to the ridge and along the valley of a valley roof.

What is the average roof pitch on a house?

The most commonly used roof pitches fall in a range between 4/12 and 9/12. Pitches lower than 4/12 have a slight angle, and they are defined as low-slope roofs. Pitches of less than 2/12 are considered flat roofs, even though they may be very slightly angled.

What is the typical roof pitch for a ranch house?

Barb, Traditionally, Ranch style homes had a consistent low roof pitch. Usually a 4/12 either hipped, gabled or with a dutch gable. Occasionally you see a Ranch with a 6/12 but just as often they have a 3/12.

How do I calculate roof pitch?

1. First, you need to measure the run of your roof. …
2. Next, you need to figure out the rise. …
3. Now, divide the rise by the run. …
4. Then, divide 1 by your tangent.
5. Finally, multiply this result by 180/π and you’ve calculated your roof pitch!

What does a 2 12 roof pitch look like?

A 2/12 roof slope means your roof has 2 inches of vertical drop for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. Simply put, it’s a shallow roof. … A roof this shallow is likely to be found on a ranch house, a shed dormer or a porch.

What is a 12 6 roof pitch?

Roof pitch (or slope) tells you how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches in depth. An Example of a roof pitch would be a “6/12 pitch” which means that the roof rises 6 ” for every 12″ inward towards the peak (or ridge).

What angle is a 5/12 roof?

Roof Pitch Degree Table1-124.76°4-1218.43°5-1222.62°6-1226.57°

Why do roofers use couch cushions?

Here’s the basic answer from the mouth of a professional. Ken Cashion of Cashion Roofing wrote: “Roofers take all the discarded sofa cushions. They remove the covers and sit on the foam pad while roofing for cushioning, but it also reduces sliding on steep roofs.

Is a 5/12 roof pitch steep?

The 5/12 or 5 on 12 roof pitch are most common types of residential roof pitch which are a sloping surfaces with an angle of usually 22.62° degrees steepness of a roof with it’s vertical rise of 5 inches over its 12″ or 1 foot horizontal distance or run in building construction.

How do you walk on a roof without damaging the shingles?

Pay attention to the surface you’re walking on. If there are any loose shingles or areas of damp and slippery leaves, avoid stepping on them. Take your time and use small, controlled steps. Be sure you’re wearing well-fitting, rubber-soled shoes with good traction.