Roof pitch is a measure of the slope of a roof. It is determined by the vertical rise of the roof divided by the horizontal span of the roof. Roof pitch is typically expressed as a ratio, such as “4:12,” which indicates that for every 4 inches of vertical rise, the roof spans 12 inches horizontally. A roof with a steep pitch has a higher ratio, such as 8:12 or 12:12, while a roof with a shallow pitch has a lower ratio, such as 3:12 or 2:12. The pitch of a roof is an important factor in determining the type of roofing material and the installation method that should be used. Steep-pitched roofs are more difficult to work on and may require specialized equipment, while shallow-pitched roofs are easier to work on and may allow for the use of a wider range of roofing materials.
