Normal Roof Slopes

Roofs at the lower end of the range about 4 12 to 6 12 are relatively easy to walk and work on.

Normal roof slopes.

A ratio is the most common way of expressing roof pitch or roof slope but degrees are also possible. A roof slope of 7 12 is also good and can provide the additional benefit of helping minimize the effects of wind driven rain. A common range is given from 1 12 to 4 12 whereas conventional dimensions vary from 4 12 to 9 12 but the steep roofing technique follows slope above 9 12 with additional fasteners. The requirements for an asphalt shingles roof are contained in the international building code.

Pitches lower than 4 12 have a slight angle and they are defined as low slope roofs. Tented a type of polygonal hipped roof with steeply pitched slopes rising to a peak. A 4 12 pitch is around 18 5 degrees but not exactly. Pitches above 9 12 are very highly angled and are designated steep slope roofs.

A pyramidal roof with gable ends. Pitches of less than 2 12 are considered flat roofs even though they may be very slightly angled. According to this code the minimum slope for asphalt shingles is 17 degrees or two vertical units to twelve units in the horizontal. A hip roof on a square building.

If the rise is 6 inches for every 12 inches of run then the roof slope is 6 in 12 the slope can be expressed numerically as a ratio. The minimum slope for lapped non soldered seam metal roofs with applied lap sealant shall be one half unit vertical in 12 units horizontal 4 percent slope. Helm roof rhenish helm. The majority of north american residential roofs have historically been constructed with a slope between about 4 12 and 9 12.

A roof that rises 4 inches for every 1 foot or 12 inches of run is said to have a 4 in 12 slope. Roof slopes between 4 12 and 6 12 are best for minimizing the wind uplift effects in high wind zones. The picture below shows the pitch of a 7 12 roof slope meaning that for 12 of horizontal measurement roof run the vertical measurement roof rise is 7. Pyramid roof pavilion roof.

A handy roof slope estimator can help you determine if your roof slope is likely too low for shingles. This measurement is best done on a bare roof because curled up roofing shingles will impair your measurement. Often found on church towers. The minimum slope for lapped non soldered seam metal roofs without applied lap sealant shall be three units vertical in 12 units horizontal 25 percent slope.

The slope ratio represents a certain amount of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run. You can also divide the rise over run multiply by 100 and get a percentage. Thus a 4 12 pitch would be a 33 slope.