How To Find Roof Angle With Speed Square

Although there s isn t any standard pitch of a roof used on all kinds of sloped roofs you can determine the range of pitches by using a roof angle calculator and by considering factors like the local climate and roofing materials.

How to find roof angle with speed square.

For instance a 7 12 roof pitch means that the roof rises 7 inches for every 12 horizontal inches. In this video i show how to find angles using a speed square. Outside of the u s a degree angle is typically used. Made from plastic aluminum or steel this multi measuring tool combines a protractor a try square a ruler a.

Finding the pitch of a roof is simple with a speed square. The speed square also called a rafter angle or triangle square is an extremely versatile tool originally intended to help carpenters quickly and accurately mark roof rafters it is a triangle shaped measuring tool that s invaluable for the diyer s tool box. Photo 2 shows how to use the speed square to mark a 33 1 2 degree angle the same as you would need on a rafter tail for a roof with an 8 12 pitch. Because of its compact size it is frequently used as a saw guide when cutting framing members as well as a layout tool for quick 45 and 90 degree cuts.

Holding the level and speed square level locate the measurement on the speed square where it meets the bottom edge of the rafter to find the angle of the roof in degrees. Set the level on the edge of the speed square as shown below then place the heel of the speed square on a rafter or gable edge of the roof. Finding angles with a speed square whether you want to make a nice pitched roof on your kids treehouse or you need a utility ramp for your shed entrance getting the right angle on every side. What is a speed square.

The triangle shaped square was invented in 1925 by albert swanson to provide a quick accurate method for marking rafters. With one number on our square you can frame a roof or a solar panel support or layout stairs cabinets trim work or many other construction projects. Before miter saws and even since professional carpenters used speed squares as a quick saw guide for cutting 45 and 90 degree angles. Roof pitch is a determining factor for cost of the roof as well as the roof area and the type of materials used.

Johnson s rafter angle square has a handy 6 rule for quick measurements.