Determining the pitch of a roof is an important task that helps understand its steepness. This information can be useful during repair or replacement of the roof. The pitch represents the ratio of height to the width of its base. Height refers to the vertical side, while width refers to the horizontal side. Typically, the width of the base is considered to be 30 cm.
Part 1
Step 1. Mark 30 cm.
Mark a level at 30 cm and highlight this length with a marker. Many levels already have markings, but creating your own will make it more noticeable.
Step 2. Climb onto the roof without tools.
Climb onto the roof without bringing any tools. Ensure that the surface is free of ice or moisture. The best time to climb is on a clear sunny day when morning dew has dried. Sit or crouch on the roof to minimize the risk of slipping.
Step 3. Prepare your tools before the second ascent.
Before going back up onto the roof, gather all necessary tools in one place, such as in a bucket or tool belt. This will make it more convenient to move around on the roof.
Step 4. Set the ladder on a flat surface.
Place the ladder on a flat surface. Be careful not to damage the gutter or the edge of the roof. You can measure the pitch from any location on the roof.
Step 5. Extend the tape measure to 30 cm.
Step 6. Measure the width of the roof base using a level.
Using a level, measure the width of the roof base. Hold the tape measure in one hand and the level in the other, positioning its bottom corner against the roof. Use the angle of the level as a reference point, keeping it parallel to the ground. Raise or lower one side of the level until the bubble is centered between the two lines, indicating level.
Step 7. Measure the height.
Measure the height with the tape measure while keeping the level parallel to the ground. Determine the distance from the roof to the 30 cm mark on the level. Remember that the tape measure should be perpendicular to the level. Write down the height measurement.
- The easiest way is to secure the end of the tape measure on the roof and hold it with your hand. If measuring from the height of the level, add the length of the tape measure to your measurement.
Step 8. Calculate the roof pitch.
Now, determine the roof pitch. The height measurement you obtained will relate to the horizontal 30 cm. For example, if the height was 18 cm, your ratio will be 18:30.
Step 9. Carefully gather all tools and descend to the ground.
