1. What is Roof Pitch?

Roof pitch is the steepness of a roof expressed as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, often converted to degrees. It's a crucial factor in roof design affecting drainage, material selection, and structural requirements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the roof pitch formula:

Where:

• \( rise \) — Vertical height (feet)
• \( run \) — Horizontal distance (feet)
• \( \arctan \) — Inverse tangent function
• \( \frac{180}{\pi} \) — Conversion from radians to degrees

Explanation: The formula calculates the angle of the roof by finding the arctangent of the rise/run ratio and converting it from radians to degrees.

3. Importance of Roof Pitch Calculation

Details: Proper roof pitch ensures effective water drainage, determines suitable roofing materials, affects snow load capacity, and influences the overall aesthetic of the structure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the vertical rise and horizontal run in feet. Enter both values (must be positive numbers). The calculator will output the pitch in degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical shed roof pitch?
A: Common shed roof pitches range from 1/12 (4.76°) to 6/12 (26.57°), depending on climate and roofing material.

Q2: How does pitch affect roofing materials?
A: Low-pitch roofs require special waterproofing, while steeper pitches can use standard shingles. Some materials have minimum pitch requirements.

Q3: What's the difference between pitch and angle?
A: Pitch is typically expressed as a ratio (rise:run), while angle is expressed in degrees. This calculator converts between them.

Q4: How do I measure rise and run?
A: Run is the horizontal distance from edge to edge. Rise is the vertical change over that distance.

Q5: What's the minimum pitch for proper drainage?
A: Generally 1/4" per foot (1.19°) is the minimum for effective water runoff, but local building codes may specify requirements.